Jackie Chapman (French); Susan Clarke (French); Seraya Hamley (English)

In this learning sequence students examined and came to understand the issues, attitudes and values presented in magazines and how these translate across cultures. Students examined the front cover of particular magazines discussing ideas of target audience, gender stereotypes and the influential power of magazines. In French, students developed their reading skills, particularly in inferring meaning from content.

Students designed and created the cover of the first issue of their own magazine and presented this to the rest of the class. Their cover had to demonstrate an understanding of the common features on a magazine cover and an awareness of purpose and target audience.

Students also included an advertisement and feature article relating to the cover.

Students produced a poster of a “supergirl” showing and labelling in French as many as possible of the characteristics that they had identified.

After students had shared their posters they worked in groups to discuss the values that were embedded in the text.

 Essentials connections
 Communicating: Being literate
 Personal futures: Building and maintaining identity and relationships

Key concepts: Values, target audience, identity
Duration: 5 weeks