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 different ways in which reconciliation and constitutional recognition is being driven in Australia. They will use their knowledge of how social change towards recognition and reconciliation has been achieved in the past and watch a clip from the documentary The Final Quarter to evaluate the RECOGNISE campaign. Students will then annotate and analyse the Uluru Statement from the Heart to ascertain the document’s core objectives. They will explore the ‘five dimensions of reconciliation’ and work in groups to develop possible Reconciliation Actions for their school community.
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 how social change towards recognition and reconciliation has been achieved in the past.
- Students understand the context and intentions of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and its calls to action.
- Students understand the relationship between the calls to action within the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the process of reconciliation in Australia across its five dimensions – historical acceptance, race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, and unity.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 10 Civics & Citizenship:
- 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)
- Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australian, regional and global contexts (ACHCS102)
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 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. They evaluate ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.
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: 105 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.
Resources required:
- Device capable of accessing the internet – one per group, pair or individual
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Significant Events Factsheet – optional
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
- The State of Reconciliation in Australia Summary Report (digital or printed copies)
- Uluru Statement From The Heart – one per student
Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, racism, equity, equality, reconciliation, recognition, perspective, emotions, empathy, Utopia, Uluru Statement from the Heart, 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.
Teacher Preparation