Australian Identity Explored

Overview

This 180-minute lesson is designed for Year 12 students in Victoria and explores the theme "What it means to be an Australian". It aligns closely with the Victorian Curriculum's Civics and Citizenship content, focusing on identity, values, multiculturalism, and perspectives including First Nations Australians.
The lesson encourages critical reflection, analysis of diverse viewpoints, and creative expression to understand and articulate Australian identity today.

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Curriculum Alignment

Victorian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship (Senior Secondary focus where applicable)
Relevant content codes and themes:

• AC9HC8K06: Different experiences and perspectives on Australia's national identity and citizenship, including First Nations Australians and migrant groups
• AC9HC7K05: Australian values that support social cohesion and democracy (freedom, respect, fairness, equality)
• AC9AVA10E02 & AC9AMA10E02 (The Arts - Visual Arts & Media Arts): How First Nations Australian artists challenge and celebrate Australian identity
• AC9HS6K03 & AC9HS6K02: Migration motivations, impacts, and changes to Australian citizenship
• AC9HC9K01: Role of Australian Constitution in democracy and Australian identity

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Analyse and discuss multiple perspectives on what it means to be Australian including those of First Nations Australians and migrant communities (VC Civics & Citizenship).
2. Explore the key values (freedom, respect, fairness, equality) underpinning Australian society and how they support social cohesion (VC Civics & Citizenship).
3. Critically evaluate how Australian identity is expressed and challenged through art and media, especially by First Nations Australians (VC The Arts).
4. Reflect on the historical and social influences that have shaped contemporary Australian identity.
5. Collaboratively produce a creative artefact representing their complex understanding of Australian identity.

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Class Profile

• Year Level: 12
• Class Size: 20 students
• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Introduction & Framing (20 minutes)

• Activity: Brief interactive presentation: “What is Australian identity?”
• Show students a provocative question: "Who gets to define what it means to be Australian?"
• Invite quick pair-share responses to activate prior knowledge.
• Present core Victorian Curriculum frameworks on identity: highlighting diversity of experiences including First Nations Australians and migrants.
• Introduce key Australian values: freedom, respect, fairness, equality.

Resources:
Short PowerPoint or digital slideshow referencing Civics curriculum points (AC9HC8K06, AC9HC7K05)

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2. Deep Dive: Multiple Perspectives (45 minutes)

• Activity 1 (30 mins): Group Jigsaw Analysis
  20 students divided into 4 groups (5 students per group), assigned to investigate one perspective:

  • First Nations Australians’ view of Australian identity (including connection to Country, culture, and history).
  • Migrant experiences and contributions to Australian society.
  • Australian national values and symbols (e.g., citizenship test, national anthem).
  • Challenges to Australian identity – debates, controversies (immigration, multiculturalism, reconciliation).

• Each group analyses short curated readings, primary sources, or curated multimedia clips.

• Groups prepare key points to teach peers.

• Activity 2 (15 mins): Groups report back
  Each group shares their insights in a 3-minute summary, followed by brief whole-class reflections.

Victorian Curriculum links: AC9HC8K06, AC9HC7K05, AC9HS6K03, AC9HS6K02, AC9HC9K01

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3. Art & Media Exploration (40 minutes)

• Activity: Visual & Media Arts Case Study
• Show examples of First Nations Australian artworks and media projects that celebrate and challenge Australian identity (referencing VC codes AC9AVA10E02 and AC9AMA10E02).
• Class discussion guided by questions:
  • How do these artworks express identity differently to mainstream narratives?
  • What messages or debates do these works raise about Australia?
  • What emotions and beliefs do these artists try to evoke?
• Students work in pairs to create a short reflective response (written or digital).

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4. Creative Synthesis — Collaborative Identity Artefact (50 minutes)

• Activity: In groups of five, students create a mixed-media artwork or digital presentation that represents their collective view of "What it means to be Australian."
• Encourage use of multiple perspectives, values, history, and cultural expressions from the lesson.
• Types of artefacts could include: poster, digital collage, poem, short video, or interactive presentation.
• Each group presents their work in a 5-minute showcase to the class.

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5. Reflection & Assessment (15 minutes)

• Individual written reflection prompt:
  • “How has your understanding of what it means to be Australian changed or deepened today? Explain with examples from the lesson.”
• Collect reflections as formative assessment of critical understanding.

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Assessment Criteria

• Demonstrate understanding of diverse perspectives on Australian identity.
• Analyse key Australian values and their social role.
• Evaluate and interpret expressions of identity through art and media.
• Communicate ideas clearly and creatively in group artefact and reflection.
• Engage respectfully in group discussion and peer learning.

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Resources Required

• Digital projector and computer
• Curated readings and multimedia clips (prepared by teacher)
• Art supplies (paper, markers, collage materials) or digital tools (tablets/laptops with presentation software)
• Copies of reflection worksheet

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Extension Ideas

• Invite a local First Nations elder or migrant community representative for a Q&A.
• Organise a gallery walk of student artefacts with other classes or parents.
• Link to History or English units on Australian identity via literature and historical narratives.

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This lesson plan embraces contemporary Australian realities and Victorian Curriculum standards by nurturing students' critical, empathetic, and creative engagement with national identity issues, tailored to Year 12 thinkers and learners. It moves beyond rote knowledge to active and multidimensional learning about what it truly means to be Australian today.