The 12 ‘elements’ that comprise our common core of practice are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Although these elements are organised by strands (using the letters of the word 'core' as a mnemonic device to support collective practice), they have been arranged in sequential order for the purpose of lesson planning, curriculum making and pedagogical improvement. In this regard, then, they function as animating principles, in the sense of sources of action, and are intended to inform the process of lesson preparation and guide the selection and presentation of content we use to engage students in our classrooms.