HSC English (Studies)

Mandatory module (HSC): We are Australians English in citizenship, community and cultural identity
Time: 4 weeks = 13.8 hours, 12x1.15hr lessons
Description
Through the study of this module students will develop understanding of and practical
competence in the use of language used to conduct their lives as citizens and members of
a community. Students will learn how to use English accurately, effectively and
appropriately in tasks such as applying for passports, filling in electoral documents,
following the procedures of local, state and federal government and writing letters of
opinion on issues of community interest. These tasks will engage students in a range of
meaningful, purposeful and relevant language experiences.
This unit plan forms a four week segment of a term-long unit for this elective. For the
purposes of this period, focus will be on some select texts and their representations of
Australian culture.
- Text analysis and discussion - variety of texts, including film, short story, poem, song,
media articles.
- Review and response writing
- values such as mateship, hard work, diversity, a fair go for all, laidback lifestyle
Principal focus:
The aspects of Australian culture as represented in a variety of texts.

Assessment
Formative only; leading up to:

Internal Assessment
Speech 25%, week 9 (after the conclusion of this four week unit)

Selected texts

Film: Tomorrow, when the war began
Various websites and media articles
ICT Resources
Australian Values and Citizenship
Australian values website: http://valuesaustralia.com/ (non-governmental) accompanying blog: http://valuesaustralia.com/blog/
Immigration factsheet, link to Life in Australia booklet: https://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/07values.htm
Difference of opinion: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/about.htm
Top 10 Aussie songs: http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/ag-blog/2011/01/top-10-classic-aussie-songs
How Australian are you? Quiz: http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/quiz.aspx?quizid=4686
All down under website songs: http://alldownunder.com/australian-music-songs/ all down under quiz: http://alldownunder.com/australian-quiz/aussie-quiz-2.htm
The Simple Gift
Introduction and Chapter one walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-hRamLICWo
Tomorrow, When the War Began
At the movies (Margaret and David ABC Review) http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2985210.htm on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfmJkQQNWuE
Tomorrow, When The War Began Cast Interviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-exYiM43BII
Tomorrow When The War Began: Caitlin Stasey and Chris Pang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlqCi5ZTMGQ
Extended Interview with Caitlin Stasey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb-mx2geunc
TWTWB on Sunrise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fqt-lkGemo
Interview: Phoebe Tonkin & Deniz Akdeniz TWTWB: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCnXEZlXTE
Sydney Morning Herald article: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-fight-for-australia-20100819-12poy.html and:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/tomorrow-when-the-war-began-20100903-14u2b.html
Official film website: http://www.paramountpicturesintl.com/intl/uk/tomorrow/
Quiz: which character are you? http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/aGGLYJQ/What-character-from-Tomorrow-when-the-war-began-character-are-you


Key Definitions (from BOS syllabus)

concept A concept is an abstract idea derived or inferred from
specific instances or occurrences. In the context of an Area of
Study, concept typically operates in and through language and
text which enables ideas and experiences to be organised and at
the same time shapes meaning and inferences.
context The range of personal, social, historical, cultural and
workplace conditions in which a text is responded to and
composed.
critical thinking The ability to think using hypothesis and deduction as
a way to question, interpret and draw conclusions.
interpretation Explanation of meaning within the context of ones own
understanding.
representation The ways ideas are portrayed through texts.
textual integrity The unity of a text; its coherent use of form and
language to produce an integrated whole in terms of meaning and
value.
HSC English (Studies) Outcomes AND content:

H1.2 explains the ideas and values of the texts
H2.1 comprehends sustained written, spoken and multi-modal texts at an appropriate
level to enrich their personal lives and to provide a sound basis for current and future
education, careers and citizenship
H2.2 demonstrates further development of skills in expression in English at an appropriate
level of accuracy and fluency to enrich their personal lives and to provide a sound basis for
current and future education, careers and citizenship

H3.2 recognises a range of audiences and selects appropriate text forms, vocabulary, style
and tone when writing and speaking for those audiences
H4.1 plans and organises to complete tasks or projects, both individually and
collaboratively
H4.2 works effectively, both as an individual and within a group, to research, select,
organise and communicate information and ideas related to a variety of topics

Content focus:
Students develop knowledge and understanding of a number of literary texts about the
diversity of Australian society, about the range of people who contribute to Australian
society and about the variety of ways in which human beings establish their place and
role as an individual within a society. These texts may include longer texts such as novels,
films or television series. Students undertake the study of these texts for enjoyment and
aesthetic experience, to extend their skills in comprehending and responding to texts,
and their skills in discussion and debate, and to develop their abilities to use language
expressively and imaginatively.

Week Outcomes Suggested Sequence of Teaching & Learning Activities
1
Lessons
1-3
Introduction to Australian values and their textual representation
Gauge Background Knowledge/Continue from last weeks lessons
Students make a mind map (individually) on their existing knowledge and opinions on Australian Values. Consider values as described in the Life in Australia booklet
One value I could relate to, One value I didnt understand/would like to know more about, similar values I know
Jigsaw - groups are allocated a part of Peter Goldsworthys introduction to True Blue. They collaborate for ideas on what their ideas are of the values and ideas in the
text about Australia, and then present their findings to the class.
65
th
Anniversary of Australian Citizenship
Read the article and discuss aspects of Australian culture. Did you already know this? What new information did you learn? How does being classified as Australian
rather than a British subject affect your personal identity? Write notes summary. Read Life in Australia values, and complete HSC Online activity critiquing Australian
values.
2 - 3
Lessons
4-7
Focus study on Tomorrow, when the war began
Film Techniques: Distribute a basic film glossary, go through some of the terms. Provide a few examples from the film. Ask students to find examples of their own of at least
one film technique in the movie (take-home task)
Film form/technology and effect on meaning: discuss original novel format (Marsden) and how this text would be different as a novel brief
Australian culture and values actively view extracts of the film and students must spot as many references to Australian culture and values; write down quotes etc. Share
with class
Reviews: Read and respond to reviews of the movie, write own reviews of the movie in light of the depiction of Australian values
Trivia Quiz: How well do you know the movie? http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/games/quiz.php?REF=654
Student create their own quiz, questions must focus on Australian culture and values

3
Lessons
8-9
Focus study on media articles and web resources
Jigsaw groups/students are to find a recent newspaper article, where Australian values are discussed/subject/critiqued model with a Tony Abbott and boat people
article, but students can choose to focus on an area that interests them, ie sport/celebrities
They collaborate for ideas on how this article represents Australian culture and values, then present their findings to the class
Visit the valuesaustralia website and read the sarcastic, negative comments on Australian values and culture. Do you agree, or disagree?
(Would this be too confronting?) http://valuesaustralia.com/
How to the views here differ from the official government websites; and how would you describe each one? Write responses (take-home task?)

4
Lessons
10-12
Focus on another longer text: maybe video How do you define Australian Values? or The Simple Gift or song Treaty by Yothu Yindi
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/content/2007/ep01_values.htm video: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/video/20070212_3.asx
About the show: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/differenceofopinion/about.htm
Yothu Yindi treaty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7cbkxn4G8U&feature=kp
Yothu Yindi bandpage: http://www.yothuyindi.com/themusic.html