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 investigate what ‘freedom of expression’ means and make connections to real world examples in the media. To activate prior knowledge, they will identify key terms in a definition jumble activity and use these terms to help develop their own definition of freedom of expression. Students will watch a clip from the feature documentary The Final Quarter and reflect on how they feel and what they think about Adam Goodes’ 2015 ‘war cry’ goal celebration. Students will then be given an opportunity to work in groups to analyse a range of media commentaries about the war cry and form their own conclusions about freedom of expression in Australia.
Learning intentions:
Students understand...
- what ‘freedom of expression’ means in Australia
- the importance to actively listen to the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- the importance of freedom of expression in supporting people to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- define key terms relevant to understanding freedom of expression in Australia (e.g. democracy, constitution, constitutional recognition, discrimination, vilification, racism)
- create their own definition of ‘freedom of expression’
- identify ways in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples express their identities and culture
- explain the importance of listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
- analyse media commentary about expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples identities and cultures.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 8 Civics & Citizenship:
- The freedoms that enable active participation in Australia’s democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement (ACHCK061)
- 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.5, OI.6)
Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards:
Students analyse features of Australian democracy, and explain features of Australia’s democracy that enable active participation. 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: 100 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work
Resources required
- Butcher’s paper and markers (optional)
- Definition Jumble Activity – one set printed and cut up per group
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
- Handling Sensitive Topics and Issues
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Collaboration
- 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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