BC Core Competencies for Arts & Heritage Educators
The BC Core Competencies are more than educational buzzwords—they are the backbone of British Columbia’s redesigned curriculum. At Forager Education, we help cultural and heritage organizations harness these competencies to build meaningful and engaging school programs. But what do the BC Core Competencies actually mean for arts and heritage educators?
The Core Competencies, Communication, Thinking, and Personal and Social, form the foundation of deeper learning across all areas of the BC Curriculum. They focus not just on what students know, but how they apply that knowledge in a complex, interconnected world. For arts, culture, and heritage programs, they’re the bridge between content and connection.
In this article, we’ll explore how to integrate BC Core Competencies into educational programs and why doing so strengthens learning, relevance, and community impact.
Understanding BC Core Competencies in the Curriculum
At the heart of the Ministry of Education’s redesigned curriculum, the BC Core Competencies support a learner-centred approach to foundational literacy, numeracy, and conceptual learning. These competencies provide essential skills that stretch beyond traditional subjects—preparing students to solve real-world problems, communicate clearly, and reflect meaningfully on their experiences.
Arts and heritage organizations play a crucial role in helping students explore these competencies through lived experience. Whether analyzing a painting, re-enacting history, or journaling after a visit to a heritage site, students engage deeply when learning feels relevant and real.
Integrating BC Core Competencies in Arts, Culture, and Heritage Programs
Here’s how each core area comes to life in arts and heritage education:
Communication Competency: Building Expression Through Arts and History
The Communication Competency helps students express ideas, listen actively, and collaborate effectively. It supports language development and connects directly to storytelling, artifact interpretation, and cultural dialogue.
In practice:
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Host group discussions analyzing artistic or historical significance.
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Facilitate creative writing inspired by heritage narratives.
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Encourage collaborative projects to explore cultural traditions and sites.
Thinking Competency: Fostering Critical and Creative Analysis
The Thinking Competency emphasizes critical, creative, and reflective thinking—exactly the kind of skills heritage settings can nurture. Students don’t just learn what happened; they explore why it matters and how it connects to today.
In practice:
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Analyze historical decisions or artistic movements using visual thinking strategies.
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Guide students in imagining alternative outcomes or perspectives.
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Prompt reflection through journaling or dialogic learning.
Personal and Social Competency: Encouraging Reflection and Responsibility
The Personal and Social Competency develops empathy, social awareness, and ethical reflection—especially relevant when addressing complex histories or cultural values.
In practice:
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Facilitate self-reflection on personal identity through cultural experiences.
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Explore contemporary social issues like cultural appropriation or reconciliation.
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Encourage teamwork and community involvement through co-created exhibits.
Designing Learning: How Students Build BC Core Competencies
Embedding BC Core Competencies into program design requires more than referencing them—it means aligning your learning outcomes, activities, and assessment tools to their core principles.
Try this:
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Define clear objectives linked to each competency.
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Use hands-on activities to reinforce skill-building.
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Incorporate structured reflection through discussion or written response.
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Partner with teachers to ensure classroom alignment.
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Encourage interdisciplinary connections between history, art, language, and social studies.
These strategies ensure students engage with the competencies in authentic and lasting ways.
Why the BC Core Competencies Matter for Engagement and Impact
They Enhance Student Engagement
When programs reflect how students think and learn, participation increases. The content becomes more relatable, and students are more likely to retain what they learn.
They Improve Learning Outcomes
Aligning educational activities with curriculum goals builds stronger foundations in communication, critical thinking, and social awareness. These outcomes extend far beyond school walls.
They Strengthen Community Connections
Programs that promote collaboration and empathy can create meaningful ties between institutions and their communities. These connections foster mutual respect and long-term support.
They Increase Relevance and Real-World Value
By addressing today’s challenges—like climate action, reconciliation, or digital literacy—programs that integrate the competencies remain timely and relatable. They prepare students for participation in real-world problem-solving.
They Create Long-Term Impact
Skills gained through BC Core Competencies aren’t limited to classrooms. They shape how students interact with others, approach work, and understand the world around them—throughout their lives.
For example, research from Edutopia shows that competency-based education improves retention, confidence, and learner independence.
Empowering Arts and Heritage Educators Through BC Core Competencies
BC Core Competencies aren’t just a curriculum requirement—they’re a framework for meaningful learning that arts, culture, and heritage organizations are uniquely positioned to support.
Let’s recap:
- Understanding the Core Competencies helps tailor rich, responsive learning programs.
- Strategic integration enhances impact, from workshops to exhibitions.
- Recognizing benefits ensures that programs stay engaging, relevant, and connected to community goals.
Forager Education’s curriculum design services support organizations in making these competencies the spine of their programming. For deeper insight into designing these learning experiences, see our article on lesson planning for heritage professionals.
