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 work towards engaging in a debate around the power of the media. Students use footage from The Final Quarter to critically consider how media leverages its power and influence. They will find evidence of both the media’s power and lack of power, before they prepare their arguments for the debate. Students then reflect upon their position and consider how they may have developed, changed or adapted their stance.
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 sources of, and barriers to, power for the media.
- Students understand what constitutes evidence of the media’s power.
- Students understand how the media does, and does not, exercise power over others.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 9 English:
- Analyse how the construction and interpretation of texts, including media texts, can be influenced by cultural perspectives and other texts (ACELY1739)
- 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)
- Use comprehension strategies to interpret and analyse texts, comparing and evaluating representations of an event, issue, situation or character in different texts (ACELY1744)
Syllabus outcomes: EN5-2A, EN5-3B, EN5-8D
General capabilities: Literacy, Intercultural Understanding, Creative and Critical Thinking
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI.6, OI,9)
Relevant parts of Year 9 achievement standards: Students create texts that respond to issues, interpreting and integrating ideas from other texts. They make presentations and contribute actively to class and group discussions, comparing and evaluating responses to ideas and issues.
Topic: Learning Through Film, Social Issues, Indigenous Education
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Mechanisms Of Power – English – Year 9
Time required: 80 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and debate.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Keywords: media, power, The Final Quarter, documentary, Adam Goodes, debate, control, influence.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
