The Final Quarter - Analysing The Theme Song

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Years 9 & 10 Music:

• Evaluate a range of music and compositions to inform and refine their own compositions and performances (ACAMUR104)
• Analyse a range of music from contemporary and past times to explore differing viewpoints and enrich their music making, starting with Australian music, including music of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and consider music in international contexts (ACAMUR105)

Years 9 & 10 Media Arts:

• Evaluate how technical and symbolic elements are manipulated in media artworks to create and challenge representations framed by media conventions, social beliefs and values for a range of audiences (ACAMAR078)

Syllabus outcomes: MUS5.7, MUS5.8, MUS5.9, MUS5.10, MUS5.11, MUS5.12

General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking

Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI.6, OI,9)

Relevant parts of Years 9 & 10 Music achievement standards: 

Students analyse different scores and performances aurally and visually. They evaluate the use of elements of music and defining characteristics from different musical styles. They use their understanding of music making in different cultures, times and places to inform and shape their interpretations, performances and compositions. They use aural skills to recognise elements of music.

Relevant parts of Years 9 & 10 Media Arts achievement standards: 

Students  evaluate how genre and media conventions and technical and symbolic elements are manipulated to make representations and meaning. 

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Composing For Film – Music – Years 7-10

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and support students with activities

• Device capable of presenting a video to the class
• Student Worksheets – one copy per student

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

• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Cultural understanding

Using only archival footage aired at the time, The Final Quarter holds a mirror to Australia and is an opportunity to reconsider what happened on and off the football field. Learn more about the film here.
We highly recommend that students view the film in its entirety before participating in subsequent lessons.

Our Watching the Film lessons are designed to support you in facilitating this process. Given the content, it is also important for teachers to communicate with parents and guardians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students before playing the film and/or engaging with the teaching and learning resources. 

Note: This film may not be suitable for viewing by all young people. Teachers are advised to use their discretion when deciding whether to show this film. If teaching in a context with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, it is imperative that guidance is sought from the Principal and Aboriginal Education Officer (or equivalent) prior to screening the film.