In today’s interconnected world, the ability to understand, communicate, and work effectively across cultures is more important than ever. Head of SAIL, Mr Tim Barrett explains how at St Andrew’s Anglican College, this understanding has been brought to life through a research initiative led by the St Andrew’s Institute of Learning (SAIL) , focused on developing and embedding Cultural Intelligence (CQ) into everyday practice

Cultural Intelligence is more than just cultural awareness; it’s a measurable capability that enables individuals to adapt and thrive in diverse settings. Backed by global research and real-world application, CQ includes key skills such as self-awareness, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication. These qualities are not only essential for future careers but also for meaningful participation and leadership in a diverse society.

The College has been at the forefront of embedding CQ, with the Head of SAIL, Mr Tim Barrett, earning recognition for this work by being appointed as a lifetime member of the Society of CQ Fellows. This research into how CQ can best be woven into a school's culture and curriculum has led to SAIL developing CQuest, an online micro-credential in cultural intelligence endorsed by global CQ and leadership expert Professor David Livermore (Boston University). While developed for St Andrew’s, CQuest will be used by schools, universities, and workplaces around the world.

CQuest was created in response to a pressing challenge: How can we work and relate effectively with others in an increasingly diverse but interconnected world?

Every participant of CQuest Pro will complete a CQ assessment through the Cultural Intelligence Centre as part of the full CQuest course. The CQ Assessments measure an individual’s capability for working and relating across cultures. Participants complete the assessment online through the Cultural Intelligence Centre, and the results are provided against world norms.

CQ is being embedded across the College in a number of ways:

Global Opportunities (GO) Trips

Students participating in international service and experiential learning programs complete CQuest Lite and a CQ Assessment through the Cultural Intelligence Centre, equipping them to engage meaningfully and respectfully with global communities.

Primary School

Implementing the language and concepts of CQ and global citizenship in an age-appropriate and sequenced way through language and personal capacity classes.

Senior Student Development

Embedded into the senior Personal Capacity curriculum, senior students may also complete CQuest Pro, earning a micro-credential that can be included in their Personal Capacity Transcript and resume.

Staff Engagement and Professional Learning

Staff professional development sessions in CQ and the opportunity to complete the official assessment and CQuest Pro course. This shared learning experience helps foster a culturally responsive community where global competence is both taught and modelled.

At St Andrew’s, the goal is to nurture students who are not only academically capable but also globally aware and culturally intelligent. Through SAIL’s leadership, the College is preparing students for a diverse future, one where empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding will be key.

CQuest is available for schools, universities, and businesses. Visit the SAIL website for more information. www.sail.qld.edu.au/cquest