English / Year 7 / Literature / Literature and context

Curriculum content descriptions

Identify and explore ideas and viewpoints about events, issues and characters represented in texts drawn from different historical, social and cultural contexts (ACELT1619)

Elaborations
  • building knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the history, culture, and literary heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • identifying and explaining differences between points of view in texts, for example contrasting the city and the bush or different perspectives based on culture, gender or age
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
  • Intercultural understanding Intercultural understanding
  • Personal and social capability Personal and social capability
ScOT terms

Attitudes,  Social settings (Narratives)

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Stories without words

Learn how Australian story-teller, artist and academy award winner, Shaun Tan uses emotive illustrations to tell a story. You will also create your own character and tell a story using illustration.

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Refugees welcome here

This resource embeds the use of online collaboration tools and 21st century learning skills in a student-centered hands-on project designed to welcome refugees into their community. The syllabus outcomes are aligned to NSW Stage 4 English, Geography or Visual Arts but this could be used with older or younger students by ...

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Tara June Winch

This resource is a series of videos featuring writer Tara June Winch talking about her writing and book 'Swallow the Air'. Related resources and teaching notes are included.

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Nicki Greenberg

This resource is a series of videos featuring writer Nicki Greenberg talking about her career and graphic novels. Related resources and teaching notes are included.

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Representing diversity with Sally Rippin

How important do you think it is for writers to represent a diversity of experiences and perspectives in their books? What does Sally Rippin say about the world she represents in her stories? Who are the characters she writes and illustrates?

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Gary Crew and the role of objects

In some stories, writers use particular objects as symbols. In other stories, writers use objects as tools to help them shape their narrative. What does Gary Crew say about the meaning of the ring in Strange Objects? What is its purpose within the story?

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Hannie Rayson on the Australian voice in theatre

How important do you think it is to hear Australian stories told on stage? Listen as Hannie Rayson explains her early beliefs about where great drama comes from. After watching this clip, try writing a dramatic scene that takes place at a family barbeque.

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Writers Talk 2007

A resource for primary and secondary students that features ten award-winning writers from the 2007 Sydney Writers' Festival. The resource explores each author's books, background, beliefs and approaches to writing, and includes advice for young writers. Video interviews of each author are accompanied by a biography, bibliography. ...

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Syllabus bites – responding to literature

A web page with information, teacher guides and resources on responding to texts. This resource supports the NSW English K-10 syllabus.

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Whose Country: exploring First Nations peoples languages map (13-18yrs)

This activity introduces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of this Country. They are the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways and skies across Australia and that it is important for us to recognise that. Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages ...

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Syllabus bites: Exploring Asia-related texts

This resource has information, links and study guides on Asia-related texts to support the Australian Curriculum in English for Year 7, 8, 9, 10.

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Creative thinking with Morris Gleitzman

What is the importance of creative thinking? Morris Gleitzman's characters are engaging and likeable because even when they're going through hardships, they can use their creative thinking to remain positive and optimistic. What do you think a character without this ability would be like? Can you think of any characters ...

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Talking about feelings with Morris Gleitzman

According to Morris Gleitzman, what connects readers to stories? Thinking about your favourite books and characters, do you agree or disagree with his views?

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Finding 'closure' in Michael Gow's Away

What does it mean to 'find closure'? Characters in Michael Gow's Away struggle with accepting unpleasant truths and letting go of the past. Coral finds closure when she finally accepts her son's death. How is this symbolised in the play?

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How can a traditional folktale be adapted to a play?

In this lesson, students will read and compare Russian folktales. Students will be introduced to the elements of a plot, then become playwrights to write a play about a traditional Russian folktale

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Writing Folktales

In this activity, students will analyse the characteristics of traditional folktales to write an original tale. They will use elements of folktales to develop their story and strengthen work through the writing process. Templates support students to structure their knowledge and skill development in this area.

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A World of Myths

How did past civilizations explain natural phenomena? In this teaching activity students will explore how myths help to explain nature and science. Students will read, discuss, and draw comparisons between creation myths and explanatory myths. Examples of myths are included in the unit.

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Focus on Japan: Cross Curriculum Connections in Secondary Schools

Ideas and resources that connect the learning of Japanese language with other learning areas.

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Focus on China: Cross Curriculum Connections in Secondary Schools

Ideas and resources that connect the learning of Chinese language with other learning areas.

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Dirrarn: Unit of work

This unit of work has been written to support the book Dirrarn. The book follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school and the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home, family, and the big sky country she loves. Find themes relating to Identity, change, coming of age, bullying, Country and finding ...