Activity Introduction
Quick 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 are invited to investigate what it means to be Australian and challenge their thinking on the diversity of views on Australian national identity. They will consider what it was like for Adam Goodes to grow up in Australia as an Aboriginal person and how his perspective can influence their understanding of what it means to be Australian. Students will then work in small groups to evaluate a range of sources that demonstrate how ‘Australian identity’ is represented and shared with the world and within the nation. Using their new understandings, they will finish with a critical reflection on what it means to be Australian.
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.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand Australia’s diverse national identity, including that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Students understand why unity in diversity is important to reconciliation across the nation.
- Students understand how Australia’s ‘national identity’ is represented and shared.
- Students show empathy for people when they feel they are treated differently.
- Students use sources to explain how Australia’s national identity is diversely represented and shared.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 8 Civics & Citizenship:
- Different perspectives about Australia’s national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and what it means to be Australian (ACHCK066)
- How national identity can shape a sense of belonging in Australia’s multicultural society (ACHCK067)
- 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.6)
Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards:
Students analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging. They explain different points of view on civics and citizenship issues.
Topic: Social Issues, Indigenous Education, Learning Through Film
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Being Australian – Civ & Cit – Year 8
Time required: 80 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class.
- Human Figure Outline – one copy per student.
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, identity, national identity, identities, diversity, belonging, recognition, perspective, emotions, empathy, AFL, Adam Goodes, documentary, The Final Quarter.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher Preparation
