The Final Quarter - Finding A National Identity

Australian Curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 8 Civics & Citizenship:

• Different perspectives about Australia’s national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and what it means to be Australian (ACHCK066)
• How national identity can shape a sense of belonging in Australia’s multicultural society (ACHCK067)
• Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS070)
• Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australia’s democracy (ACHCS074)

Syllabus outcomes: AS4.8, AS4.9

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 8 achievement standards: 

Students analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging. They explain different points of view on civics and citizenship issues.

This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Being Australian – Civ & Cit – Year 8

Time required: 80 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.

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

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

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Cultural understanding
• Empathy
• Social skills

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.