What should Australia's young people know, understand and be able to do?

These ideas from the National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools give a clear idea of skills, knowledge and understandings that a student should have at the end of their schooling.

Understand 'Asia'

• explain what the term 'Asia' means, with some reference to geography, history, culture and the economy
• understand and appreciate something about the diversity of Asia's peoples, environments, cultures, belief systems and societies
• understand the importance of the countries of Asia and their economic, strategic and cultural links with other countries in the world, particularly Australia.

Develop informed attitudes and values

• develop and communicate informed attitudes and behaviour towards Asian people, events, issues and lifestyles
• be aware of the plurality, interdependence and commonality of humanity
• be able to understand, critically analyse and respond to stereotyped views of Asian peoples, cultures, societies and organisations
• recognise, understand and support the agreed values for Australian schooling with a particular focus on cooperation and mutual respect between the peoples of Australia and our neighbours in the Asian region
• participate in values clarification, ethical justification and social negotiation to support their confident participation in dialogue about Australia's future and Australia-Asia engagement.

Know about contemporary and traditional Asia

• understand contemporary Asian societies, cultures, environments and beliefs, and current connections between the cultures and peoples of Asia and other parts of the world, including Australia
• be able to explain the contributions cultures of Asia make to world heritage, traditions and human endeavour, including those in the arts, science, technology, philosophy, business, education, and religious and spiritual beliefs
• know about particular episodes, events and issues in the history of the Asian region that help explain why the region and its countries are as they are, and which have made significant contributions to world development and knowledge.

Connect Australia and Asia

• understand current trends and developments common to Australia, the region and the world
• be able to identify and analyse contributions made to Australian society by Australians of Asian heritage and by Australians living and working in Asia
• understand how increasing cultural diversity through Asian immigration, tourism, investment and trade has influenced Australian society and culture
• be familiar with the history of Australia-Asia engagement and its relationship to current and diverse expressions of friendship, cooperation and intermittent tensions.

Communicate

• develop intercultural skills and understandings to participate in, learn from, contribute to and engage confidently in diverse cultural environments at home and abroad
• be able to interact effectively with people of the Asian region both within and outside Australia confidently
• increasingly be able to communicate in one or more Asian languages.

See more details at: http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/public_html/aef_statement.htm