The Oasis - Using Film Techniques to Tell a Story

Australian curriculum content descriptions:

Year 9 English:

• Interpret, analyse and evaluate how different perspectives of issue, event, situation, individuals or groups are constructed to serve specific purposes in texts (ACELY1742)
• Explore and explain the combinations of language and visual choices that authors make to present information, opinions and perspectives in different texts (ACELY1745)

Year 10 English:

• Identify and analyse implicit or explicit values, beliefs and assumptions in texts and how these are influenced by purposes and likely audiences (ACELY1752)
• Use comprehension strategies to compare and contrast information within and between texts, identifying and analysing embedded perspectives, and evaluating supporting evidence (ACELY1754)

Year 11 English:

Unit 1

• evaluating the choice of mode and medium in shaping the response of audiences, including digital texts (ACEEN003)
• explaining the ways language features, text structures and conventions communicate ideas and points of view (ACEEN004)
• analysing how vocabulary, idiom and rhetoric are used for different purposes and contexts (ACEEN006)
• using appropriate form, content, style and tone for different purposes and audiences in real and imagined contexts (ACEEN011)
• using evidence-based argument (ACEEN014)

Unit 2

• analysing the ways language features, text structures and stylistic choices shape points of view and influence audiences (ACEEN024)
• the ways ideas, attitudes and voices are represented, for example, how events are reported differently in the media (ACEEN029)
• selecting and applying appropriate textual evidence to support arguments (ACEEN035)

Year 12 English
Unit 3

• analysing language, structural and stylistic choices (ACEEN041)
• making innovative and imaginative use of language features (ACEEN051)
• using and experimenting with text structures and language features related to specific genres for particular effects (ACEEN052)

Unit 4

• undertaking close analysis of texts (ACEEN060)
• analysing content, purpose and choice of language (ACEEN063)
• analysing the use of voice and point of view such as in feature articles, reporting of current events or narration (ACEEN064)
• exploring other interpretations and aspects of context to develop a considered response.(ACEEN065)
• using appropriate language and stylistic features to sustain a personal voice and point of view (ACEEN069)
• synthesising ideas and opinions to develop complex argument (ACEEN071)

Syllabus Outcomes: EN5-1A, EN5-2A, EN5-8D.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Literacy.

Unit of work: THE OASIS – English

Time required: 120 minutes (or 2x 60 minutes)

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate discussion.

• Student Worksheet – one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet
• Device capable of presenting a website to the class and access to THE OASIS documentary on Vimeo
• Sticky-notes, Film techniques Factsheet

This resource has been adapted from ‘Teaching Social Issues Through English’ developed with the English Teachers Association NSW and the ‘Youth Homelessness Matters Resource’ developed by Janice Atkin. You can find these resources here.