Embedding Media Literacy in the Curriculum

In an age where students are exposed to an overwhelming volume of digital content daily, media literacy is no longer optional - it’s essential. As the need for more explicit media literacy overtakes the media, we recognise the vital role that media plays in shaping beliefs, behaviours, and understandings about gender, identity, and power. That’s why we are embedding media literacy as core elements of our curriculum across multiple learning areas.

Media literacy helps students analyse and question the information they consume. It encourages them to ask: Who created this message? What is its purpose? What perspectives are represented - or excluded? These questions form the foundation of a critical mindset that empowers girls to become not just passive consumers, but informed and active participants in media culture.

Our approach integrates media literacy across key learning areas including English, Humanities, Health, and STEM subjects. Students engage with authentic media texts - from advertising campaigns and music videos to social media feeds and political discourse - and learn to unpack the underlying assumptions and values embedded in them.

In English, students might analyse how themes and characters are portrayed in literature versus modern film adaptations. In Health, they discuss body image and social media algorithms. In Civics and Citizenship, they explore how human rights movements are portrayed in media coverage and what it means for democratic participation. In Science, we are taking intentional steps to challenge stereotypes around who can be a scientist. Students learn about the contributions of women in STEM - past and present - through research tasks and project-based learning. We also critically examine the way scientific discoveries and issues (such as climate change or genetics) are reported in the media. For example, students may compare how a scientific topic is presented in a peer-reviewed journal versus a social media post, discussing accuracy, sensationalism, and public understanding. These activities empower our girls to see themselves as capable contributors to scientific discourse and innovation. They also align closely with General Capabilities in the Australian Curriculum, particularly Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, and Ethical Understanding. See the ACARA website for further information:

https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/curriculum-connections

Crucially, we pair these classroom experiences with real-world tools that are grounded in evidence and aligned with national education priorities.

Leading Resources Supporting Critical Engagement

Two recently launched initiatives are playing a key role in helping schools to develop media literacy programmes:

1. eSmart Media Literacy Lab – Alannah & Madeline Foundation

   Designed for students aged 12 to 16, this interactive online platform equips learners with the tools to spot misinformation, recognise media bias, and develop respectful digital citizenship. It also includes modules specifically designed to build resilience and challenge gendered online harassment.

   https://www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/

   
   

2. National Library of Australia – Media and Information Literacy Classroom

   This resource uses historical and contemporary media examples to help students explore bias, credibility, and context. It’s especially useful in fostering deeper inquiry and encouraging cross-curricular links in History, English, and Media Studies.

   https://www.nla.gov.au/learn/digital-classroom/media-and-information-literacy

   
   

How Parents and Caregivers Can Support Media Literacy at Home

Parents play an important role in reinforcing media literacy beyond the classroom. Open and ongoing conversations at home can help students apply critical thinking in real-world contexts. Here are some simple ways families can contribute:

• Co-view media content with your child—whether it’s a YouTube video, a movie, or a news story—and ask reflective questions like, “What message do you think they’re trying to send here?” or “Whose voices are missing?”

• Model healthy digital habits, such as checking sources before sharing articles or limiting screen time around family activities.

• Encourage media creation—support your child in making their own short videos, podcasts, or digital art that reflect their values and identity.

• Explore resources together, like the eSafety Commissioner’s Parent Guide, which offers up-to-date advice on navigating digital environments safely and critically. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

  
  

When school and home work together, students receive consistent messages that build their confidence, sharpen their judgement, and strengthen their understanding of the world around them.

As we continue to refine our curriculum and respond to emerging issues, we remain committed to providing a learning environment that supports girls in becoming informed, empowered, and critically engaged citizens. By embedding gender equity and media literacy into our teaching and learning programs - and inviting families to be part of that process - we are preparing our students not just for exams, but for life. We believe that when girls are equipped with the skills to challenge bias, advocate for justice, and think independently, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Christie Dey

Director of Secondary