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 will explore the power of words and diverse viewpoints by investigating an incident in which a spectator at an AFL football match referred to Adam Goodes using a racial slur. By considering the position of each individual involved, and the media representation of this issue, students evaluate the impact of this situation on each participant. The lesson prompts students to view and respond to a visual text and newspaper headlines, thinking critically to develop their own opinion on the issue. They then present their perspective by writing a news headline that describes their own viewpoint.
Students view excerpts from the acclaimed 2019 documentary, The Final Quarter, as a starting point to brainstorm health, safety and wellbeing in the context of sport, school and life. Students consider the impact of racist behaviour on wellbeing.
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:
- … that words have power and should be used carefully.
- … the power of words in context.
- … that what might feel like a joke for one person, can be hurtful for another.
- … the impacts of casual racism.
- … how the media presents points of view through newspaper headlines.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 5 English:
- Identify aspects of literary texts that convey details or information about particular social, cultural and historical contexts (ACELT1608)
- Understand how to move beyond making bare assertions and take account of differing perspectives and points of view (ACELA1502)
- Recognise that ideas in literary texts can be conveyed from different viewpoints, which can lead to different kinds of interpretations and responses (ACELT1610)
Years 5 & 6 Health and Physical Education
- Recognise how media and important people in the community influence personal attitudes, beliefs, decisions and behaviours (ACPPS057)
Syllabus outcomes: EN3-8D, DMS3.2
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI.5, OI.6, OI.9)
Relevant parts of Year 5 English achievement standards:
Students explain how text structures assist in understanding the text. They understand how language features, images and vocabulary influence interpretations of characters, settings and events.
They develop and explain a point of view about a text, selecting information, ideas and images from a range of resources.
They contribute actively to class and group discussions, taking into account other perspectives.
Relevant parts of Year 5 & 6 HPE achievement standards:
Students explain the influence of people and places on identities. They recognise the influence of emotions on behaviours and discuss factors that influence how people interact.
They examine how physical activity, celebrating diversity and connecting to the environment support community wellbeing and cultural understanding.
Topic: Learning Through Film, Indigenous Education, Social Issues.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Exposing Truth. Embracing Diversity – Years 5 & 6
Time required: 95 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – facilitate class discussion with sensitivity to students’ feelings and experience (in relation to racial discrimination).
Resources required:
- Adam Goodes Profile – digital copy
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Handling Sensitive Topics and Issues (optional)
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
Keywords: Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, race, resilience, sport, Adam Goodes, The Final Quarter, documentary, AFL, media, equal, equity, equality, racial vilification, racism, bullying.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher Preparation
