Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)

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Unit One: Relationships

Autobiography, Poetry, Drama, Narrative Writing

Students will read a variety of texts and focus on reviewing the use of nouns, adverbs and adjectives in a text. They will also look at figurative language used in a range of texts and their own descriptive writing. A particular focus will be on family and friends and how they are perceived through figurative language techniques. Drama performances and collaborative activities will be utilised to encourage the development of peer relationships.

Suggested Texts:

Boy

Hating Alison Ashley

Two Weeks with the Queen

Hitler’s Daughter

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Unit Two: Heroes and Villains

Biography, Non-Fiction Texts, Film and Persuasive Writing

Students will explore the historical figure, Ned Kelly through reading and viewing various texts. In particular students will compare articles, letters, pictures and film to recognise bias, characteristics, perspective and the construction of texts through language and visual literacy. Specifically focusing on viewing how figurative language techniques are used to portray characters in certain ways for certain purposes and audiences.

Suggested Texts:

Black Snake

Ned Kelly film

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Unit One: Sustainability through Animated Film

Focus: Film, Media and Research, Technique-Example-Effect

Students will explore the concept of sustainability through project based learning activities and collaborative activities that allow students to question the concept and the various techniques used to portray it. Close analysis of films and texts develop students’ knowledge of sustainability along with their analysis skills and production of multi-media representations and film techniques used to explore the theme.

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The Lorax

Wall-e

Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Unit Two: Narrative and Picture Books

Novel, Short Story, Picture Book, Review Writing with evidence

Students explore a range of narratives and picture books to explore the Indigenous culture in their local area and throughout Australia. Throughout their study students will learn about figurative language techniques and visual techniques that are used in narratives and picture books to describe stories.

Suggested Texts:

The Binna, Binna Man

The Burnt Stick

Dreamtime Stories 

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Theme based - Novel Study and Poetry/Song Study

Novel, Poetry/Songs, Analysis of novel and poetry using evidence

Students will study and analyse a Novel and supporting poems to within the allocated theme. Some possible themes are Poverty, Transformation and survival.

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Experiencing Asia

Non-fiction Study, Descriptive Writing

Students will explore an Asian country by studying autobiographies and researching various countries and cultures. Students will develop their knowledge regarding the relationship between Australia and Asia, whilst exploring the context that has created this relationship.

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Fantasy

Film, Drama, Speech Writing
Oral Presentation – New character for film sequel

Students will engage in fantasy and science fiction texts to discover and analyse the elements of short stories and films. Students will develop their knowledge of film techniques and their effects to draw meaning in different genres.

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Famous People

Multi-Media, Reality TV, Short Scripts, Interview Writing

Students will investigate a range of famous people and their associated culture by studying, exploring and analysing text which relate to aspects of Australian culture and values. Texts can be but are not limited to advertisements, webpages, magazine articles and other popular media sources.