Dying to Live - Introduction to Organ and Tissue Donation

Australian curriculum content descriptions: 

Year 9 English:

• Listen to spoken texts constructed for different purposes, for example to entertain and to persuade, and analyse how language features of these texts position listeners to respond in particular ways (ACELY1740) 
• Use interaction skills to present and discuss an idea and to influence and engage an audience by selecting persuasive language, varying voice tone, pitch, and pace, and using elements such as music and sound effects (ACELY1811) 

Year 10 English:

• Identify and explore the purposes and effects of different text structures and language features of spoken texts, and use this knowledge to create purposeful texts that inform, persuade and engage (ACELY1750) 
• Use organisation patterns, voice and language conventions to present a point of view on a subject, speaking clearly, coherently and with effect, using logic, imagery and rhetorical devices to engage audiences (ACELY1813) 

Syllabus outcomes: EN5-2A, EN5-3B, ENLS-10B, ENLS-12C, ENLS-13C

General capabilities: Literacy, Ethical understanding

Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: Students evaluate and integrate ideas and information from texts to form their own interpretations. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, comparing and evaluating responses to ideas and issues.

Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards: Students explain different viewpoints, attitudes and perspectives through the development of cohesive and logical arguments. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, building on others’ ideas, solving problems, justifying opinions and developing and expanding arguments.

Unit of work: Dying to Live – English – Year 9 & 10

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion

• Student Worksheets – one copy per student
• Device capable of presenting a video to the class
• Sticky notes (enough for 4–5 per student)
• Web-enabled device (one per pair of students)
• Butcher’s paper and markers

• Communication
• Creativity
• Digital literacy
• Ethical understanding
• Empathy

Dying To Live is a documentary feature film examining organ and tissue donation and transplantation in Australia through seven different stories highlighting the social, physical and emotional effects of being on the organ donor waiting list. The film also aims to dispel myths about organ and tissue donation while encouraging family conversations so that family members are aware of their loved ones’ donation intentions. Find out how to screen or view the film here.