Poverty and Inequality in Australia - People Behind the Statistics

Australian Curriculum content descriptions: 

Years 9 & 10 HPE:

• Evaluate factors that shape identities and critically analyse how individuals impact the identities of others (ACPPS089)
• Propose, practise and evaluate responses in situations where external influences may impact their ability to make healthy and safe choices (ACPPS092)
• Critique behaviours and contextual factors that influence health and wellbeing of diverse communities (ACPPS098)

Syllabus outcomes: PD5-1, PD5-2, PD5-9, PD5-10

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Personal and Social Capability.

Relevant parts of Year 9 & 10 HPE achievement standards: Students access, synthesise and apply health information from credible sources to propose and justify responses to health situations. They apply decision-making and problem-solving skills when taking action to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing. 

Time required: 120 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – Teachers provide case studies and instructions, but this lesson is predominantly inquiry-based for students. Teachers should also ensure students are using Internet browsing tools safely and appropriately.

• Access to YouTube and a data projector to show the following to the whole class: More than 3 million people are living in poverty
• Access to YouTube and a data projector to show the following to the whole class: APW 2020 case study bushfires and poverty
• Access to YouTube and a data projector to show the following to the whole class: 1 in 4 Australians are struggling Australians struggling to make ends meet
• Group work configuration, with access to safe Internet browsing facilities and scribing materials for student groups
• Poverty in Australia Overview, 2020 – infographic
• Print-offs (laminated) OR digital access to 6 case studies as presented on http://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/category/stories/
• Student Worksheets – one copy per student

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

• Communication
• Community engagement
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Digital literacy
• Enterprise
• Empathy
• Ethical understanding
• Problem solving
• Collaboration

These lessons have been designed in consultation with Anti-Poverty Week and ACOSS/UNSW Poverty and Inequality Partnership.

The content and information in these lessons may be overwhelming and cause some students to experience heightened emotions.

Please ensure you allow students to ask questions and to discuss any issues or concerns. Before teaching the lesson, you may consider conducting a class check-in or circle time to establish a safe learning environment. Inform students that this might be a complex topic for them to comprehend. However, let your students know that differences in people’s incomes and wealth are nothing to be ashamed of and that these may be beyond the control of individuals and families – for example, some have more luck than others in landing a good job.

Assure students that organisations and campaigns are working towards decreasing poverty in Australia, and if they would like more information, they can visit the Anti Poverty Week website and the Poverty and Inequality website.