The Final Quarter is a powerful documentary film that captures the controversy surrounding Adam Goodes, a champion Australian Football League player and Indigenous leader. This resource provides lessons for teachers who plan to screen the film to students. The lessons are designed to promote emotional safety and cultural awareness, and encourage students to reflect on the legacy of Adam Goodes. Students will explore themes such as identity, achievement, and race relations in Australia. The lessons include activities to support emotional connections, encourage constructive responses to the themes in the film, and identify sources of support for those who may have strong reactions to the content. It is highly recommended that other lessons for The Final Quarter are used in the context of having viewed the full film and that teachers use these Watching the Film lessons to guide that process.
Creating a supportive and caring learning environment is key to the successful delivery of these resources. Promote a sense of belonging and respect in your classroom at the onset of all lessons to establish an environment that will nurture and support the psychological needs of all students. Offering emotional support in a sensitive manner to the whole class as well as individuals identified as at-risk will be a priority. Be especially mindful of, and sensitive to, students with a history of racism, bullying, mental health challenges, family and/or cultural dislocation and members of any minority groups.
