As part of Unit Three of Year 12 ATAR English course, students were required to study a genre, analysing how its conventions conform, subvert or challenge audience expectations. The two science fiction films, Independence Day (1996) and Arrival (2006), were studied to compare, contrast and explore these conventions, as well the context, ideas and issues found within them that connect to the human experience.
Students were asked to analyse each film for its exploration of science fiction conventions, complex representations and post-colonial values and attitudes. They were then challenged to reflect their understanding of the films in a YouTube style tutorial video comparing the Unit Three Syllabus points. The students are to be commended for their application and effort throughout the unit of work.