{"id":10077,"date":"2026-08-10T07:24:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T06:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/?page_id=10077"},"modified":"2026-08-10T07:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T06:45:15","slug":"developmental-themes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/theme-overview\/employability\/9-skills-for-success\/developmental-themes\/","title":{"rendered":"Developmental Themes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 9 Skills\u00a0for Success\u00a0remain at the heart of our approach to student\u00a0development, but\u00a0grouping them into three broader developmental themes helps us tell a clearer and more connected story about the capabilities our students will need for the future. These themes reflect the language and direction of Cardiff University&#8217;s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cardiff.ac.uk\/about\/our-profile\/strategy\/our-future-together\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our future, together<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0strategy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, aligning the\u00a09 Skills model\u00a0more closely with our shared ambitions for graduates,\u00a0education\u00a0and the wider student experience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The developmental themes\u00a0provide a practical way for colleagues\u00a0to embed skills development across curricula, programme\u00a0design\u00a0and enhancement activities. Informed by research, consultation and feedback from staff and students, they help make the\u00a09 Skills model\u00a0easier to navigate while supporting meaningful conversations about learning, personal\u00a0growth\u00a0and graduate outcomes. Rather than changing the skills themselves, the themes help bring them together in a way that is accessible, future-focused\u00a0and relevant to the evolving needs of our students,\u00a0communities\u00a0and society.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"quote  with-image\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"quote-image rounded-circle\" alt=\"Alexander, Undergraduate in Biosciences\"  src=\"http:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/files\/2026\/07\/Skills-for-Success-e1784029347514.png\">\n          \n    \n    <blockquote class=\"quote-body\">\n      Our Skills for Success model is essential for supporting future graduates globally.    <\/blockquote>\n    <figcaption class=\"quote-author\">\n    \n                        Alexander, Undergraduate in Biosciences<cite  class=\"quote-source\"><\/cite>\n                   \n\n    <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>How the groupings form the outer circle of the design.<\/h4>\n<p><em>NB: The design is still in its infancy, with the next phase of development, we should have an interactive model that will display the skills and sample behaviours through &#8216;click and reveal&#8217; or &#8216;hover and pop-up&#8217;.<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"post-9731 media-9731\" class=\"image align-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/files\/2026\/07\/outer-circle-1080-x-1080-px-520-x-520-px-780-x-780-px.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #e4251b;\">The Themes:<\/span><\/h4>\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-accessible\"><div class=\"accordion-section\">\n        <h2 class=\"accordion-section-header-title collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-1\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\"><svg class=\"icon icon-chevron-right\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 19.75 32\">\n    <title>Chevron right<\/title>\n    <path d=\"M6.13,28.28L18.41,16,6.13,3.72,9.84,0l16,16-16,16Z\" transform=\"translate(-6.13 0)\"><\/path>\n<\/svg> Think and Grow<\/h2> <div class=\"accordion-section-body collapse \" id=\"content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-1\"><h4>Creating a learning environment that enables our students to develop knowledge and understanding, generate ideas, adapt their thinking and behaviours, and grow intellectually and personally.<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Adaptive<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>be flexible, agile and find opportunities in change, responding constructively to challenges with emotional intelligence and resilience<\/li>\n<li>reflect on learning and experiences to recognise own strengths, self-development needs and set goals<\/li>\n<li>manage time effectively and take proactive steps to support personal wellbeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Collaboration<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>work effectively with others respecting and learning from different perspectives<\/li>\n<li>contribute and lead within groups fostering cooperation and managing conflict<\/li>\n<li>engage in opportunities to build professional networks and positive relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Communication:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>demonstrate active listening<\/li>\n<li>convey meaning and messages effectively using evidence and appropriate methods such as public speaking and storytelling to engage others<\/li>\n<li>present ideas with confidence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div> <\/div><div class=\"accordion-section\">\n        <h2 class=\"accordion-section-header-title collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-2\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\"><svg class=\"icon icon-chevron-right\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 19.75 32\">\n    <title>Chevron right<\/title>\n    <path d=\"M6.13,28.28L18.41,16,6.13,3.72,9.84,0l16,16-16,16Z\" transform=\"translate(-6.13 0)\"><\/path>\n<\/svg> Connect and Belong<\/h2> <div class=\"accordion-section-body collapse \" id=\"content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-2\"><h4>Providing a supportive and inclusive environment that enables our students to communicate effectively, build relationships, work collaboratively with others, and develop a sense of belonging through respect, empathy and shared understanding.<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Creative:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>develop original ideas and approaches through curiosity, imagination and innovation<\/li>\n<li>explore possibilities, experiment with established ways of working and learn from challenges<\/li>\n<li>apply creativity, design, ingenuity or practice to generate impactful solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>develop independent thought by questioning assumptions and practices<\/li>\n<li>analyse a range of information, data and scenarios, applying logical reasoning and problem\u2011solving to make informed decisions<\/li>\n<li>use research and evidence critically with awareness of bias<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Digital:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>develop awareness and understanding of digital tools and technologies, adapting to technological advances<\/li>\n<li>apply digital skills to improve ways of working, process information effectively, and make a positive difference<\/li>\n<li>consider the ethical implications of digital practice, engaging safely and responsibly with emerging technologies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div> <\/div><div class=\"accordion-section\">\n        <h2 class=\"accordion-section-header-title collapsed\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-3\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\"><svg class=\"icon icon-chevron-right\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 19.75 32\">\n    <title>Chevron right<\/title>\n    <path d=\"M6.13,28.28L18.41,16,6.13,3.72,9.84,0l16,16-16,16Z\" transform=\"translate(-6.13 0)\"><\/path>\n<\/svg> Act and Create Change<\/h2> <div class=\"accordion-section-body collapse \" id=\"content-9-skills-framework-developmental-themes-3\"><h4>Creating opportunities that enable our students to apply skills and knowledge confidently, use digital tools and technologies to effect change, act professionally and ethically, and make informed decisions to deliver sustainable impact.<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Futures-focused:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>consider the long\u2011term impact of actions and decisions<\/li>\n<li>act with social, environmental and economic responsibility<\/li>\n<li>make informed choices that contribute to sustainable and positive futures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Inclusive:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>respect, value and learn from\u00a0different cultures, diverse communities and demonstrate an openness to global perspectives and local initiatives<\/li>\n<li>apply ethical judgement to assess the impact of actions<\/li>\n<li>embrace Welsh language, culture and context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Professional:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>demonstrate curiosity and commercial awareness, showing initiative and motivation to learn and develop<\/li>\n<li>behave with integrity, reliability and accountability<\/li>\n<li>apply learning and discipline-specific knowledge confidently and effectively to add value in professional environments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div> <\/div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #e4251b;\">Film: How do we apply the 9 skills?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Access a film that explores how the nine skills can be applied to curriculum development and examines their alignment with the World Economic Forum&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/publications\/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Future of Jobs Report 2025<\/em><\/a>, as well as Advance HE and QAA standards:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cf-my.sharepoint.com\/personal\/petersong_cardiff_ac_uk\/_layouts\/15\/stream.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fpetersong%5Fcardiff%5Fac%5Fuk%2FDocuments%2F002Embedding%20Employability%20Threads%2FGraduate%20Attributes%2FGA%20Review%20Refresh%2FVideo%20Development%20Notebook%2FFuture%2DReady%5FCurriculum%2Emp4&amp;referrer=StreamWebApp%2EWeb&amp;referrerScenario=AddressBarCopied%2Eview%2E33ce3b59%2D90a5%2D4446%2Da8c3%2D426d74e4eea3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Future Ready Curriculum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For any design related questions, please contact <a href=\"mailto:petersong@cardiff.ac.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gemma Peterson<\/a>, Learning Designer.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sites.cardiff.ac.uk\/education-development-toolkit\/9-skills-for-success\/\">Return to main page<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"3 titles, 3 themes. 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