Module 11

Appreciating movies
In this module, students explore some of the basic concepts involved in feature film: narrative
structure (focussing on plot and characterisation), filmic techniques such as visual cues, and
music and lighting. The module does not explicitly address symbolic codes, but teachers could
address these in section 2. The core text for this module is Harry Potter and the Philosophers
Stone. The module also draws on students existing knowledge of other films.

Assessment
Assessment of the Viewing strand is based on the students understanding of narrative
conventions in the context of film. The reflection activity provides an open-ended opportunity
for students to demonstrate achievement in the Viewing and Writing strands.

Section 1

The storyline
This section focuses on storyline or plot with an emphasis on the development of the story
through plot points, climaxes and anticlimaxes. Students have the opportunity to gain a sense of
narrative-development techniques and use terms that describe features of narrative.

Level 4
Outcomes

VIEWING

4.1 Uses knowledge of principal

characteristics of visual texts to
construct meaning.

Level 4
Outcomes

VIEWING

Level 5
Outcomes

Use of Texts

5.1 Justifies own interpretations of

ideas in visual texts using their
understanding of the characteristics
of a range of narrative structures and
contexts.

VIEWING
Level 5
Outcomes

Conventions

4.3 Identifies and discusses how codes

and conventions work to shape
viewers understandings of visual
texts.

VIEWING

Conventions

5.3 Draws on knowledge of how

codes and conventions of visual texts
shape viewers interpretations.

VIEWING
Level 5
Outcomes

Use of Texts

Contextual
Understanding

5.2 Explains possible reasons for

varying interpretations of a visual
text.

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Module 11: Appreciating movies

Level 4
Outcomes

WRITING

Level 4
Outcomes

Processes and Strategies

4.4 Applies a range of strategies for

planning, drafting and reviewing
writing appropriate to context,
purpose and audience.

VIEWING

Use of Texts

4.1 Uses knowledge of principal

characteristics of visual texts to
construct meaning.

Section 2

Characterisation
Using students knowledge of characters in Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, this section
explores how technical codes are used for characterisation. The techniques discussed include
the visual cues, contrast, camera angle and screen time.

Level 4
Outcomes

VIEWING

Use of Texts

4.1 Uses knowledge of principal

characteristics of visual texts to
construct meaning.

VIEWING
Level 4
Outcomes

43

Conventions

4.3 Identifies and discusses how codes

and conventions work to shape
viewers understandings of visual
texts.

Pages 1347

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English Mosaic 1 Activity Guide for Western Australia

Level 4
Outcomes

VIEWING

Conventions

4.3 Identifies and discusses how codes

and conventions work to shape
viewers understandings of visual
texts.

Section 3

Creating mood
This section draws on students range of reference for movie soundtracks and focuses on the
way music evokes mood or emotion. Students also explore the role of lighting in creating mood.

Level 4
Outcomes

VIEWING

4.1 Uses knowledge of principal

characteristics of visual texts to
construct meaning.

Level 4
Outcomes

LISTENING
AND SPEAKING

Use of Texts

4.1 Identifies the main ideas and

explicit supporting details of clearlystructured spoken informational or
expressive texts and identifies
alternative viewpoints in spoken,
audio and video texts on an issue
relating to an accessible topic.
Develops and presents familiar ideas
and information and supports
opinions with some detail in a variety
of classroom situations.

VIEWING
Level 5
Outcomes

Use of Texts

Conventions

5.3 Draws on knowledge of how

codes and conventions of visual texts
shape viewers interpretations.

Pages 13841

Module 11: Appreciating movies

Level 5
Outcomes

VIEWING

5.1 Justifies own interpretations of

ideas in visual texts using their
understanding of the characteristics
of a range of narrative structures and
contexts.

Level 5
Outcomes

VIEWING

Level 5
Outcomes

Conventions

5.3 Draws on knowledge of how

codes and conventions of visual texts
shape viewers interpretations.

WRITING
Level 5
Outcomes

Contextual
Understanding

5.2 Explains possible reasons for

varying interpretations of a visual
text.

VIEWING

Use of Texts

5.1 Uses a variety of text types to

express clearly, define and develop
challenging ideas and issues.

VIEWING
Level 5
Outcomes

Use of Texts

Conventions

5.3 Draws on knowledge of how

codes and conventions of visual texts
shape viewers interpretations.

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