'Picnic at Hanging Rock' — Lesson 02: Historical Context

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

Lesson 02 develops students’ understanding of the historical context surrounding the film. Students examine Australia in 1900, Federation, British colonial influence and the ancient history of Hanging Rock before connecting this knowledge to the film’s setting and events.

The lesson supports students to explain how transport, communication, public attention and institutional structures shape the characters’ experiences and reveal the limitations of colonial order within the Australian landscape.

Includes:

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

This resource is Lesson 02 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.