Blue - 'Valerie Taylor' Reflective Writing

Australian curriculum (8.4) content descriptions:

Year 8 English:

• Analyse and evaluate the ways that text structures and language features vary according to the purpose of the text and the ways that referenced sources add authority to a text (ACELY1732)
• Recognise that vocabulary choices contribute to the specificity, abstraction and style of texts (ACELA1547)

Syllabus outcomes: EN4-3B

General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability.

Relevant parts of Year 8 English achievement standards: Students explain how language features, images and vocabulary are used to represent different ideas and issues in texts. They listen for and identify different emphases in texts, using that understanding to elaborate on discussions. Students understand how the selection of language features can be used for particular purposes and effects. They explain the effectiveness of language choices they make to influence the audience. Students create texts for different purposes, selecting language to influence audience response. They take into account intended purposes and the needs and interests of audiences. Students demonstrate understanding of grammar, select vocabulary for effect and use accurate spelling and punctuation.

Unit of work: Blue The Film: Our Oceans and Our Future

Time required: 90 mins.

• Student Worksheet – one per student
• Device capable of presenting a website, clip and digital worksheet to the class
• Turtles Factsheet
• Seabirds Factsheet
• Sharks Factsheet
• Biographical Writing Factsheet
• Reflective Writing Factsheet

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Digital literacy
• Global citizenship

Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – lead students in discussion.

Blue is a feature documentary film charting the drastic decline in the health of our oceans. With more than half of all marine life lost and the expansion of the industrialization of the seas, the film sets out the challenges we are facing and the opportunities for positive change. Blue changes the way we think about our liquid world and inspires the audience to action. Find out how to screen or download the film here. Along with the film is an ambitious global campaign to create advocacy and behaviour change through the #oceanguardian movement. To become an ocean guardian, see the website.