Thinking and learning skills form the base of all other transversal competences and are a prerequisite for lifelong learning. It is important to learn how to search, assess critically, edit, produce and share information. Students are encouraged to search for answers and to formulate new information and views as well as to listen to the views of others. Overall, encouragement is crucial for students to learn to trust in themselves and at the same time to be open and flexible to new solutions. Thinking skills are used for problem-solving, argumentation, reasoning, drawing conclusions and inventions in and out of school, which lays a solid foundation for further studies and lifelong learning.

Students grow in a culturally diverse world. At the school, students are supported in recognising and appreciating cultural diversity in their environment. Students are supported in building a personal cultural identity and a positive relationship with the environment, in which they appreciate their roots and cultural heritage. At the school community students learn to examine different viewpoints, develop their social skills and express themselves in a constructive way in all situations.

Managing daily life requires an increasingly wide range of skills. The school community guides students to understand that everyone influences both their own and other people’s well-being. Understanding the relevance of health, safety and human relationships, mobility and transport, use of technology, personal finances and consumption builds students’ confidence in the future, and guides them towards a sustainable way of life.

Multiliteracy is the competence to interpret, produce and make value judgements across a variety of different texts. Students need multi literacy skills to interpret their environment and to perceive its cultural diversity. It supports the development of critical thinking and learning skills.

Competence in information and communication technology (ICT) is an important civic skill, and a part of multiliteracy. It is both an object and a tool of learning. The teaching and learning of ICT skills is integrated into all school subjects in all grades. Students are introduced to various applications of ICT and are guided to observe the significance of ICT in their daily life, human interaction and as a channel of influence.

Working life and the nature of work are changing due to technological advancements and globalisation. At the school, students are encouraged to explore new opportunities with an open mind as changes take place. Students learn general abilities that support motivation and a positive attitude towards work and working life. They also obtain experience that helps them to comprehend the importance of work and understand their personal responsibility for their community. Students are encouraged to show tenacity in bringing their work to a conclusion and to appreciate work and its results.

Skills in participating and involvement can only be gained through experience. The school community offers a safe setting for this. Students learn to work together and practise negotiation, conciliation, conflict resolution skills and critical examination of issues. They learn to understand the significance of their choices, way of living and actions. Students develop capabilities for evaluating and changing their own actions, their surroundings and the wider society in order to contribute to a sustainable future.