Testing Teachers (ATOM Study Guide)

Six teachers, three schools, one aim. To make a difference in young people's lives.

Testing Teachers is a three-part documentary series that charts the highs and lows of a group of graduate teachers as they confront Australia's education gap head on – in what could be the most challenging year of their lives. With access to three public high schools in Victoria, Western Australia and Northern Territory, Testing Teachers provides an insight into the importance of quality teaching and learning.

Curriculum Links:
Testing Teachers provides opportunities for students to discuss:

• their experiences of schooling;
• the daily challenges of school for staff and students;
• the importance of education;
• how students learn;
• student wellbeing;
• equity in education;
• the Australian education system.

This study guide to accompany Testing Teachers has been written for secondary students at all year levels. It provides information and suggestions for learning activities in English, Media, and curriculum projects discussing the issue of education. Testing Teachers can also be used as a resource to address the Australian Curriculum General Capability – Personal and Social Capability given the opportunities it provides for students to reflect on their experience of school, and manage their learning and wellbeing more effectively.

Teachers are advised to consult the Australian Curriculum online at http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au and curriculum outlines relevant to their state or territory for further information.

The study guide is structured as a series of discussions about the ideas and issues raised in each episode. Teachers may select from the information and activities to support students' viewing and close analysis of the documentary series. Teachers are also able to determine whether student responses will be presented as written, spoken or multimedia texts.