The Oasis - Comparing Representation in the Media

Through viewing Beau’s story, students gain insights into the situations and events that can lead to people experiencing poverty and homelessness. Students investigate the terms precariousness and poverty, and how the two concepts can be linked. Students investigate the causes, effects and issues surrounding poverty as it is experienced in Australia through the comprehension and analysis of two separate media reports on the issue. Students then apply their understanding of the precariousness of poverty by considering Beau’s experience and demonstrate their understanding by writing and producing a voiceover that narrates his experiences.

Key ideas to explore:

• Relative poverty is the commonly experienced form of poverty in Australia.
• Poverty is something that can be experienced by anyone and can sometimes be beyond the control of the individual experiencing it.
• Many people are precariously close to experiencing poverty and can fall into it as a result of numerous different challenging situations.