What is the difference between a topic and a Challenge?

Challenges are teaching and learning materials with a skill focus. The topic provides context to the activities that learners do to achieve the learning objectives and develop the six skills. For example, in the Stage 7 Challenge ‘Is school the best place to learn?’, the topic is ‘Education for all’. During this Challenge, learners focus on developing their research skills.

The curriculum framework includes some suggested topics that are designed to be age-appropriate, engaging and relevant to learners. This list is provided to give you ideas of the types of topic that might interest your learners. However, you are not limited to this list and you can choose any topic you like.

Challenges are available to download on the Lower Secondary support site.