I'm Catherine, founder of White Space Words and lover of words (of course), my family, and good coffee. I've taught English for thirty years, twenty-five of those as Head of English. So, you'd understand I care about words. A lot. I care especially about the power of words. In a world where words are misused, over-used, and used to create division, my mission is to promote the use of words for education and inspiration.
I'm Catherine, founder of White Space Words and lover of words (of course), my family, and good coffee. I've taught English for thirty years, twenty-five of those as Head of English. So, you'd understand I care about words. A lot. I care especially about the power of words. In a world where words are misused, over-used, and used to create division, my mission is to promote the use of words for education and inspiration.
This comprehensive teaching unit has been designed for teachers to use with The Social Dilemma (Netflix documentary-drama film - dir. Jeff Orlowski).
Contents (4 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Teacher Guide - (14 page .pdf)
An overview
Suggested Lesson Outline
Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet
Inquiry learning - focus questions
Assignment/Extension activities
Further resources/reading links
Student Booklet (10 page - in .pdf/.doc formats):
Pre-viewing activities
During viewing activities
Post-viewing activities
Further action
The Social Dilemma Teaching PowerPoint (21 slide .pptx):
What is a documentary?
Pre-viewing, During-viewing and Post-viewing resources (including links)
Going beyond the documentary activities (including links)
Unit duration: 6-8+ lessons
Official film rating: PG13+ (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across secondary subject areas, including primarily: English, Media Studies (with links to aspects of Humanities/Social Studies, Psychology, Social Development, and Health curriculum).
Features:
Digital/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx)
Professionally designed by an experienced educator
Highly visual and engaging
Suited to all learners
Crisp, clean layouts
A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
Please note: Access to view the film itself requires a Netflix account. This is not included in the resource pack.
Licence information:
$15 for an individual licence (with use strictly limited to the individual purchaser – ie. one teacher/one class)
This teaching unit focuses on the 2024 documentary, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, written and directed by Nic Stacey, which investigates corporate culture, the rise of fast fashion, and the environmental and ethical consequences of buying habits. The documentary explores the hidden mechanisms behind retail strategies and their impacts on global sustainability.
Subject area coverage: English, Essential English, Media Studies, Environmental Science and Psychology
Suitability: Upper Secondary (Years 10-12)
Duration: 15+ lessons (including assessment delivery and adjustable based on year level and subject focus)
Teacher Pack Resources include:
TEACHER GUIDE (34 page .pdf) – contents:
Unit overview
Inquiry questions
Learning objectives
Suggested lesson outline
Teacher Answer Guide - comprehensive answers to all Student Booklet questions – see yellow
Focus Assessment – Persuasive Speech or Analytical Essay
Alternative Assessment/Extension Activities
Explore Further – resources and links
STUDENT BOOKLET (33 pages - .pdf/.doc formats):
Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing activities/reflection
Focus Assessment Tasks – Persuasive Speech or Analytical Essay (assessment scaffolding/templates/checklists)
Alternative Assessment/Extension Activities – individual, group and project-based tasks for real-world application
Explore Further – resources and links
TEACHING PRESENTATION (23 pages - .pptx/keynote formats):
Learning objectives
Discussion starters
What is a documentary? (documentary styles, critiquing a documentary)
Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing resources
Assessment support
In addition, the Teacher Pack relates directly to the following General Capabilities within the Australian National Curriculum:
· Critical and Creative Thinking
· Personal and Social Capability
· Ethical Understanding
· Literacy
FEATURES:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx, 1 x keynote presentation)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Highly visual and engaging
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts
· A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
PLEASE NOTE:
· Access to view the film itself is not included in these resources.
· The film runs for 1hr 24m and has an official rating as M (coarse language). Please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.
Engage upper secondary learners in a confronting and compelling film viewing experience with these Viewing Questions (50 in total) for the 2024 documentary film, Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy, directed by Nic Stacey.
The film investigates corporate culture, the rise of fast fashion, and the environmental and ethical consequences of buying habits. The documentary explores the hidden mechanisms behind retail strategies and their impacts on global sustainability.
Zip file Contents (3 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Viewing Questions - 14 page Student Booklet (.doc/.pdf formats)
Viewing Questions - 11 page Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet Questions (.pdf format)
Duration: 4-5 lessons
Official film rating: M (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across middle to upper secondary subject areas, including: English, Media, Essential English, Environmental Studies, Psychology
In addition, the Viewing Questions relate directly to the following General Capabilities within the Australian National Curriculum:
· Critical and Creative Thinking
· Personal and Social Capability
· Ethical Understanding
· Literacy
as well as the Cross Curriculum Priority of Sustainability.
Features:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Save time without compromising quality learning
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts - visual and engaging
ALSO AVAILABLE:
A complete Teacher Pack (comprehensive teaching unit) for Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy is available also (including comprehensive pre-viewing and post-viewing assessment activities). See the separate listing.
This comprehensive teaching unit, including assessment, has been designed for teachers to use with My Octopus Teacher, the beautiful and profound story of the year filmmaker, Craig Foster, spends with a wild common octopus in the Great African Sea Forest and its life-changing effects. (Netflix documentary film - directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed)
Contents (4 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Teacher Guide (18 page .pdf)
• Unit overview
• Inquiry Questions
• Suggested Lesson Outline
• Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet
• Assessment Option 1 – English – Narrative
• Assessment Option 2 – Media – Short Narrative Film
• Extension activities (Science/Values)
• Additional resources/links
Student Booklet (16 page - .pdf/.doc formats)
• Pre-viewing activities
• During viewing activities
• Post-viewing activities
• Assessment Option 1 – English – Narrative (including Narrative Devices table and templates for Narrative Plan, Narrative Structure and Writing Checklist)
• Assessment Option 2 – Media – Short Narrative Film (including Storyboarding template with codes and conventions)
• Extension activities (Science/Values)
• Additional resources/links
Teaching PowerPoint (20 slide .pptx)
• What is a documentary?
• Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing resources (including links)
• Assessment Preparation – Storytelling/Narrative Writing – cognitive verb ‘create’, narrative structure, features and the writing process
• Take Further Action
Unit duration: 12+ lessons (including Narrative assessment)
Official film rating: G (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across upper primary and secondary subject areas, including: English and Media Studies (also contains links to Science and Values Education).
Features:
• Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx)
• Professionally designed by an experienced educator
• Highly visual and engaging
• Suited to all learners
• Crisp, clean layouts
• A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
Please note:
Access to view the film itself is not included in the resource pack.
Engage middle/upper secondary learners in an enriching film viewing experience with these Viewing Questions (47 in total) for the 2023 feature film, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. The film imagines the iconic Barbie doll experiencing an existential crisis leading to an adventure into the real world on a journey of self-discovery.
Zip file Contents (3 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Viewing Questions - 11 page Student Booklet (.doc/.pdf formats)
Viewing Questions - 9 page Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet Questions (.pdf format)
Duration: 2-3 lessons
Official film rating: PG (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across middle to upper secondary subject areas, including: English, Media, Essential English
In addition, the Viewing Questions relate directly to the following General Capabilities within the Australian National Curriculum:
· Critical and Creative Thinking
· Personal and Social Capability
· Ethical Understanding
· Literacy
Features:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Save time without compromising quality learning
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts - visual and engaging
ALSO AVAILABLE:
A complete Teacher Pack (comprehensive teaching unit) for Barbie is available also (including pre-viewing and post-viewing assessment activities). See the separate listing.
This comprehensive teaching unit is based upon the 2023 feature film, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig.
The film imagines the iconic Barbie doll experiencing an existential crisis leading to an adventure into the real world on a journey of self-discovery. Through a blend of satire and sincerity, the film works to acknowledge Barbie’s unrealistic body type and the impact this has had on children over time, while celebrating her role as a feminist icon. Ideas about toxic masculinity and the importance of feeling empowered to find one’s own identity and purpose are key to the film’s impact upon audiences.
This Teacher Pack – Barbie equips educators of middle to upper secondary students with a range of tools to deliver high-quality learning experiences, including a range of seven analytical assessment options (adaptable for differentiated learning).
Contents (5 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Teacher Guide (35 page .pdf)
· Unit overview
· Inquiry Questions
· Suggested Lesson Outline
· Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet
· Assessment – Analytical Essay (choice of seven options)
Student Booklet (33 page - .pdf/.doc formats)
· Pre-viewing activities
· Viewing activities
· Post-viewing activities
· Assessment – Analytical Essay (choice of seven options) – including templates and assessment resources
Teaching PowerPoint (29 slide .pptx for Windows users/29 slide keynote presentation for MAC users)
· Discussion Starters
· Barbie Quiz and Fun Facts
· What is narrative film? (archetypal narratives, representations in film, narrative film conventions and active film-viewing strategies)
· Who is Greta Gerwig?
· Barbies by the Era – historical, social and cultural influences
· Post-viewing resources – discussion starter, character analysis, key scene analysis, critic response to the film
· Assessment resources – ‘to analyse’, analytical essay structure guide, the writing process
Unit duration: 15-20 lessons
Official film rating: PG (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across middle to upper secondary subject areas, including: English, Media, Essential English
In addition, the Teacher Pack relates directly to the following General Capabilities within the Australian National Curriculum:
· Critical and Creative Thinking
· Personal and Social Capability
· Ethical Understanding
· Literacy
Features:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx, 1 x keynote presentation)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Highly visual and engaging
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts
· A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
**Please note: **
Access to view the film is not included in the resource pack.
This teaching unit is based upon the 2021 documentary, 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, directed by Torquil Jones. The film focuses on the incredible record-breaking feat achieved by Nepalese climber, Nirmal Purja, of summiting the 14 highest peaks in the world in under 7 months.
· What does it take to overcome the impossible?
· What are the qualities of a truly inspirational person?
This comprehensive Teacher Pack – 14 Peaks equips educators of secondary students with a range of tools to deliver high-quality learning experiences (individual, group and whole class modes), including a range of six potential assignment/extension activities.
**Contents **(5 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
1. Teacher Guide (20 page .pdf)
· Unit overview
· Inquiry Questions
· Suggested Lesson Outline
· Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet
· Assignment Tasks (including Focus Assessment Task – Project Possible Festival)
2. Student Booklet (20 page - .pdf/.doc formats – suitable for Google Classroom)
· Pre-viewing activities
· Viewing activities
· Post-viewing activities
· Focus Assessment Task – Project Possible Festival (including planner)
· Other Assessment Task Options
3. Teaching PowerPoint (20 slide .pptx for Windows users/20 slide keynote presentation for MAC users)
· What is a documentary? (documentary styles, critiquing a documentary and documentary film conventions)
· Discussion starters – 1-5
· Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing resources (including links)
Unit duration: 12+ lessons
**Official film rating: **M (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across secondary subject areas, including: English and Media Studies
N.B. The film and this teaching unit is very well-suited to a multi-disciplinary approach, in which pastoral/personal development is key. The film’s focus on the importance of self-belief, perseverance, courage and team-work is of particular value.
Features:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (2 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx, 1 x keynote presentation)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Highly visual and engaging
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts
· A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
**Please note:
Access to view the film is not included in the resource pack. **
This teaching unit is based upon the 2021 documentary, The Rescue, directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. The film focuses on the gripping and inspirational rescue of a team of 12 soccer players and their coach from a flooded Thailand cave in 2018.
• What’s possible in an impossible situation?
• What is true courage?
• What makes each of us unique?
This comprehensive Teacher Pack – The Rescue equips educators of secondary students with a range of tools to deliver high-quality learning experiences (individual, group and whole class modes), including a Group Project – Celebrating the Individual and five Persuasive Speaking Assessment Task options.
**Contents **(6 digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
Teacher Guide (26 page .pdf)
• Unit overview
• Inquiry Questions
• Suggested Lesson Outline
• Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet
• Assessment Task options (including Focus Task – Group Project – and Persuasive Speaking options)
Student Booklet (26 page - .pdf/.doc formats – suitable for Google Classroom)
• Pre-viewing activities
• Viewing activities
• Post-viewing activities
• Focus Assessment Task – Group Project ‘Celebrating the Individual’ Festival (including planner)
• Persuasive Speaking Assessment Task options (including models/template/checklist)
Teaching PowerPoint (23 slide .pptx for Windows users/23 slide keynote presentation for MAC users)
• What is a documentary? (documentary styles, critiquing a documentary and documentary film conventions)
• Discussion starters – 1-4
• Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing resources (including links)
• Assessment Options
• Persuasive Speaking resources
Bonus – poster (printable .pdf file for classroom display)
**Unit duration: ** 15+ lessons
Official film rating: M (Classifications can vary - please check your country’s classification for this film prior to use with students.)
Suitable for use with students across upper primary and secondary subject areas, including: English and Media Studies
N.B. The film and this teaching unit is very well-suited to a multi-disciplinary approach, in which pastoral/personal development is key. The film’s focus on the importance of selflessness, perseverance, the uniqueness of every individual, courage and team-work is of particular value.
Features:
· Digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single zip file (3 x pdf, 1 x doc, 1 x pptx, 1 x keynote presentation)
· Professionally designed by an experienced educator
· Highly visual and engaging
· Suited to all learners
· Crisp, clean layouts
· A range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
**Please note: **
Access to view the film is not included in the resource pack.
This comprehensive teaching unit supports use of the gothic series, Wednesday (Tim Burton, 2022), the story of Wednesday Addams, the daughter from the 1960s television classic, The Addams Family.
The Teacher Pack equips educators of secondary students (Years 9–12) with all that’s needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences, focusing on the gothic genre and intertextuality, with a close-up on the influence of the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Student learning outcomes can be assessed through included analytical and narrative options, along with formative tasks.
Contents (digital/editable/printable files ready for immediate download and use):
(1) Teacher Guide (67-page PDF)
Unit overview
Inquiry questions
Suggested lesson outline
Teacher Answer Guide to Student Booklet - including completed viewing tables for all eight episodes of the Wednesday series
Assessment information
(2) Student Booklet (48-page PDF and DOCX)
Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing activities - including a focus on the gothic genre and the works of Edgar Allan Poe; resources on intertextuality, narrative film viewing and the work of Tim Burton; viewing questions/tables for all eight episodes of Wednesday
Assessment options - Analytical and Narrative response tasks - supported by generic structure and features guides, scaffolds for planning and drafting, devices guides, checklists
(3) Teaching PowerPoint/Keynote Presentation (37-slide PPTX and KEY for macOS users)
Discussion starters
Gothic elements
A close-up on Edgar Allan Poe - The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven
Pre-viewing, Viewing and Post-viewing resources for Wednesday
Assessment options - Analytical and Narrative response tasks
(4) Bonus files
Student version - Gothic Texts Quiz (DOCX)
Teacher answers - Gothic Texts Quiz (DOCX)
Unit Duration - 20+ lessons (up to a full term including assessment)
Curriculum Links:
English
Media/Film
Features:
digital/editable/printable files delivered in a single ZIP file
professionally designed by an experienced educator
highly visual and engaging
suited to all learners
crisp, clean layouts
a range of whole class, group work and individual learning resources
Please note:
Episodes vary in length from 45-57 minutes and all have an official rating as M. Please check your country’s classification for the series prior to use with students.