Informed Choices - Foundation Skills

Communication skills

• Talk and listen to different people, like students, teachers, and others
• Use polite language and respect when talking to others, even from different cultures
• Pay attention when someone is talking to you
• Read and understand written information
• Follow written and spoken instructions
• Use technology to communicate
• Work well with others as a team

Cognitive/intellectual skills

• Find, understand, and organise information
• Use your own judgment and problem-solving skills
• Remember and share information
• Understand other people's opinions and respect their choices
• Focus enough to finish a task
• Be attentive when interacting with others
• Do tasks safely and on time

Behavioural and social skills

• Show patience and willingness to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Act professionally both in school and during work placements
• Work well in group settings
• Interact respectfully with all genders
• Respect personal and professional boundaries, including on social media
• Take responsibility for their actions and always act respectfully to support the dignity, safety, and well-being of others
• Interact fairly and respectfully with others, even if they have different cultural or religious viewpoints
• Act professionally in industry and work placements, and keep any private information confidential

Physical and/visual capabilities 

Students opting to enrol into specialised electives within Certificate I in Gaining Access to Training and Employment (GATE) and Certificate II in General Education for Adults (CGEA II) will require the following physical and visual capabilities: 

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, or alternate between sitting and standing at will
• Capability to lift and carry, including raising or lowering objects, pushing, pulling, and moving objects/materials
• Performing tasks that require precise movements and large, full-body movements
• Ability to extend arms to reach objects at or above shoulder level
• The ability to see clearly - for example, Certificate in I Gaining Access to Training and Employment (Retail and Animal Studies)
  • In a supermarket
    • Safety: you need to see spills, obstacles, or moving equipment (like pallet jacks or trolleys) to avoid accidents.
    • Accuracy: good vision helps you read labels, prices, and expiry dates correctly.
    • Customer service: seeing clearly allows you to help customers find items and check products properly.
    • Efficiency: you can restock shelves neatly, scan items quickly, and keep the workplace organised.
  • When working with animals
    • Animal safety and welfare: you must see animals clearly to notice signs of illness, injury, or distress
    • Personal safety: animals can move suddenly; being able to see their body language helps you avoid bites, kicks, or scratches
    • Cleanliness and maintenance: you need to see in order to clean enclosures properly and check that food, water, and bedding are safe and fresh
    • Observation skills: good vision helps you monitor animal behaviour and ensure their environment is safe and comfortable

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