This term, Year 10 students examined the ways characters in film can represent diverse perspectives. In our class, we took this examination one step further to critique the ‘invisible’ powers of media through the framework of critical media literacy. That is, we asked questions like: who is behind the camera? Who is in the writing room? Who chooses to craft the stories we consume in mainstream cinema and how do they profit from our consumption? In a content-saturated world littered with mis/disinformation, this level of critical thinking is more important than ever.

 Implicit in this line of questioning are other questions, such as: whose stories aren’t being told? And who benefits from keeping these figures hidden?

 After our analysis of the film Hidden Figures through the lens of critical media literacy, students chose their own film or television show to examine and excavate. Here are just some of the powerful perspectives and deep thinking that emerged from that investigation. I’m so proud of these students, who are willing to be curious, vulnerable, and critical in pursuit of widening the lens.

~ Ms Moon

Some of Year 10s extraordinary work can be found under the College Life title, in the Student Showcase section.