Senior Years (years 10 -12)

Take a critical look at some of the Territory’s historical content. What if that episode in history was written from another perspective; how would it read then?  

Black and white newspaper photograph of a woman being handled by two people and escorted under apparent duress

Program snapshot

Take a critical look at some of the Territory’s historical content. What if that episode in history was written from another perspective; how would it read then?  We aren’t looking for all the answers, however we do need to consider questions that may challenge a point of view and our own thinking.

Session name: Perspectives - it's critical to question

Available days: Tuesday or Thursday morning.

Time: Session commences at 10am. The session will run for approximately 60 - 90 minutes.

Curriculum: The program addresses learning outcomes in the Australian Curriculum

Location: Northern Territory Library, inside Parliament House, 4 Bennett Street, Darwin City

Booking and enquiries: All enquiries and bookings to be made via email at: lant.education@nt.gov.au.

Learning experiences

Students will:

  • clarify the meaning of the term “critical perspectives”
  • investigate the Petrov Affair to understand the perspective it was written from, and discuss the ideas and attitudes of society at that time
  • interpret the Petrov Affair from multiple points of view and analyse how the different perspectives influence the readers’ response 
  • select an episode in the Territory’s history to discuss the perspective it was written from and analyse the ideas and attitudes behind it that give evidence for that view
  • analyse the episode from another perspective and re-write the story from that perspective
  • use the Library iPads to create a short text

Curriculum Links

Stage 1 English – Responding to texts

  • KU1    Knowledge and understanding of ideas and perspectives explored in texts.
  • An1    Analysis of the relationship between purpose, audience, and context, and how they shape meaning.

Stage 2 English – Responding to texts

  • KU1     Knowledge and understanding of ideas and perspectives in texts.
  • An1     Analysis of ideas, perspectives, and/or aspects of culture represented in texts 
  • Ap2     Use of evidence from texts to develop and support a response.

Stage 2 English Literary Studies

  • KU1    Knowledge and understanding of ways in which ideas, perspectives, and values are represented in texts.   
  • An1    Analysis of ways in which texts represent ideas, perspectives, and values.
  • An4    Analysis of ways in which different critical perspectives inform interpretation.
  • Ap2    Use of evidence from texts to develop, support and justify responses.

Stage 1 Modern History – Skills of historical inquiry - perspectives and interpretations

  • analyse historical evidence and explore historical concepts 
  • recognise and evaluate differing perspectives on the past, to understand the contestable nature of historical knowledge and interpretation, draw reasoned and supported conclusions, and develop empathetic understanding
  • Media Studies
  • RA1     Analysis and recognition of different points of view, bias, values, or intent across a range of media texts

General capabilities 

  • Literacy
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Personal and social capability
  • Ethical understanding
  • Intercultural understanding

Cross-curriculum priorities

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Large white building with geometric shapes and palm trees in the foreground

Before your visit

  • During the facilitated session students will choose an aspect of our A Territory Story exhibition, to view from different critical perspectives. 
  • Students will use library iPads to re-write a story in Territory history from a critical perspective. 

After your visit

  • Share and discuss student critical perspectives responses with the class.
  • Search the Library & Archives NT website to find resources that complement classroom topics.
  • Library & Archives NT will email you a link to view and download evidence of learning from the session.
  • If you share any photos from your trip to the Library on social media please use #educationLANT.

Session Supervision

The session is facilitated by a Visitor Experience Librarian. To ensure the best experience for all, duty of care, including supervision of student behaviour, is the responsibility of the class teacher. It is expected that students will behave in a respectful manner and be aware that other people may be visiting the exhibition at the same time.  We look forward to welcoming students, teachers and accompanying adults.