About the Film
Adam Goodes is a champion AFL footballer and Indigenous leader who became a lightning rod for intense public debate and widespread media commentary that divided the nation. During the last three years of his career, Goodes was named Australian of the Year, accused of staging for free kicks, and performed an on-field war dance celebration. When the football crowds turned on him, the Brownlow medallist left his beloved game. Director Ian Darling’s film, The Final Quarter, is crafted using only archival footage aired at the time, which has been expertly edited. The result is a powerful film that holds a mirror to Australia and suggests we reconsider what happened on and off the football field.
Advice for Teachers
These lessons have been prepared to support teachers to prepare students for learning about, reaching out to and respectfully communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and/or community members. The lessons emphasise the importance of listening, through the lens of The Final Quarter documentary. These lessons are likely to have more impact and be fully embraced by students if they follow on from a full specialist unit relating to The Final Quarter.
Cool Australia has worked with experts in reconciliation, human rights and psychology to ensure these lessons promote emotional safety and cultural awareness. It is highly recommended that these lessons are used in the context of having viewed the full film and that teachers use the Watching the Film lessons to guide that process.
Creating a supportive and caring learning environment is key to the successful delivery of these resources. Promote a sense of belonging and respect in your classroom at the onset of all lessons to establish an environment that will nurture and support the psychological needs of all students. Offering emotional support in a sensitive manner to the whole class as well as individuals identified as at-risk will be a priority. Be especially mindful of, and sensitive to, students with a history of racism, bullying, mental health challenges, family and/or cultural dislocation and members of any minority groups.
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