Lesson summary
Retired AFL star Adam Goodes is known to many for his resilient journey in the face of detrimental treatment by AFL spectators and the media beginning in 2013.
In this lesson, students will explore the concept of racism using historical and contemporary examples in Australian society. They will complete a timeline activity to highlight significant events that have shaped attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and histories. Students will read and evaluate an opinion article that challenges the audience to make connections between historical events and racism in Australia. Students will be given an opportunity to research contemporary examples of racism in the media and contemporary injustices that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have challenged or are currently challenging.
Learning intentions:
Students understand...
- why positive race relations are important to reconciliation in Australia
- how historical events have made it necessary for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fight for human rights, equality and equity
- the impact of historical and intergenerational injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since European colonisation of Australia
Success criteria:
Students can...
- define racism and provide historical and contemporary examples in Australia.
- arrange historical events in chronological order and explain their significance to reconciliation in Australia.
- interpret written and visual texts to better understand injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since European colonisation of Australia
- critically reflect on media commentaries and make connections to direct, indirect and institutional forms of racism
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian curriculum content descriptions:
Year 10 Civics & Citizenship:
- The challenges to and ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and cohesive society (ACHCK094)
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS097)
- Account for different interpretations and points of view (ACHCS098)
- Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australian, regional and global contexts (ACHCS102)
Syllabus outcomes: AS5.7, AS5.8, AS5.9
General capabilities: Literacy, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI.6)
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards:
Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. They evaluate ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Racism, Rights And Reconciliation – Civ & Cit – Year 10
Time required: 90 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.
Resources required
- Adam Goodes Utopia Article – one copy per student
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Different Forms Of Racism (optional)
- Significant Events Activity – one set printed and cut up per group
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Cultural understanding
- Empathy
- Social skills
Additional info
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.
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