6. What are Cross-Curricular Competencies?

Although Cross-Curricular Competencies resemble Subject-Specific Competencies in their definition of mobilizing various resources, they are much broader in their frame of reference and scope of references.  They are not tied to one subject matter; they touch all of them through competencies that can be used outside of the classroom and are developed through subject-specific competencies.

Cross-curricular competencies are of various types and highlight different facets of the ability to act: they may be intellectual, methodological, personal and social, and communication-related. The DBE Program targets the development of nine cross-curricular competencies, grouped as follows:

Intellectual Competencies

• Uses information
• Solves problems
• Exercises critical judgment
• Uses creativity

Methodological Competencies

• Adopts effective work methods
• Uses information and communications technologies

Personal and Social Competencies

• Achieves his/her potential
• Cooperates with others

Communication-Related Competency

• Communicates appropriately

Each of these competencies is described in more detail in the General Introduction to the Program of Study p. 26-34.