'Picnic at Hanging Rock' — Lesson 01: Overview, First Impressions and Narrative Structure

This individual lesson is part of the Lesson Ready unit on Peter Weir’s Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Lesson 01 introduces students to the film’s premise, principal characters and sequence of events. Students reconstruct the narrative, examine how foreknowledge and ellipsis shape the viewing experience, and consider how the film’s refusal to resolve the disappearances creates lasting uncertainty.

The lesson establishes essential knowledge of the film while beginning students’ analysis of narrative structure and audience response.

Includes:

• Editable PowerPoint lesson slideshow;
• Editable student worksheet; and
• Detailed sample answers.

This resource is Lesson 01 of the complete 14-lesson Picnic at Hanging Rock unit but can also be purchased and taught independently.

The film is not included. This is a digital product supplied as a downloadable ZIP file. Available with an Individual Teacher Licence or English/EAL Faculty Licence — One Campus.