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 gain an understanding of what the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is and the implications that it has for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia. They will watch a clip from the documentary The Final Quarter and find Australian examples of where the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples rights have been upheld and where rights have been denied, restricted or disrespected. Students will evaluate the attitudes behind rights violations and the role that institutions, such as the AFL, play in the reconciliation process. Students will then be given an opportunity to find relevant media articles that show examples of where the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are being upheld.
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 will identify rights in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Students will understand the importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Students will make connections between the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and current needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 10 Civics & Citizenship:
- The Australian Government’s role and responsibilities at a global level, for example provision of foreign aid, peacekeeping, participation in international organisations and the United Nations
(ACHCK091) - How Australia’s international legal obligations shape Australian law and government policies, including in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACHCK093)
- The challenges to and ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and cohesive society (ACHCK094)
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS097)
- Account for different interpretations and points of view (ACHCS098)
Syllabus outcomes: AS5.6, AS5.7, AS5.8
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 10 achievement standards:
Students analyse the Australian Government’s global roles and responsibilities. Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and 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 – Racism, Rights And Reconciliation – Civ & Cit – Year 10
Time required: 100 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.
Resources required:
- Community Guide to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Device capable of accessing the internet – one per group, pair or individual
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
- UNDRIP Factsheet.
Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, indigenous, indigenous people, racism, injustice, equity, equality, recognition, perspective, emotions, empathy, UDHR, UNDRIP, United Nations, Five Dimensions of Reconciliation, 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.
