Please note that clips in this collection are rated PG or M.

Before exploring this clip collection, teachers and students should explore the Consent resources developed by Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/what-consent

Tara and Ben are in a repertoire class taught by Saskia. In the first scene, we see Saskia forcefully correct Tara’s arabesque, pushing on even when Tara and Ben both tell her to stop.  Later in the series, Ben recounts the incident to Miss Raine, the Academy’s headmistress, and explains how Saskia did not listen and went too far, causing Tara’s injury.  

Reflect

Consider how respecting consent in physical activities can prevent injury and create a respectful and safe environment for all participants. Reflect on the following:

• What signs or signals did Tara give before her injury that indicated she might not have been comfortable?
• How did Tara express her desire to stop, and did the instructor, Saskia, listen to her?
• How do communication and consent help prevent harm during physical activities?
• How could Tara, her peers, or her instructor have communicated more effectively to ensure her safety?

Explore

In the second part of the clip, Ben discusses the lack of consent and the injury that occurred with Ms. Raine, the headmistress of the National Academy of Dance. In pairs, explore the communication strategies used in this scenario:

• How did Ben express their concerns or frustrations about the injury?
• How did Ben explain the importance of consent in this situation?
• What could Tara have done differently to ensure her consent was communicated more effectively earlier?
• Why is it important to share with an adult when consent has been breached?

Afterward, discuss how effective communication and respecting boundaries can help prevent misunderstandings and harm.

Create

Investigate how power dynamics between instructors, teachers, or adults and students can influence the process of asking for, giving, or denying consent. In small groups, create a storyboard that illustrates:

• An adult asking a student for consent in a dance or sports class scenario.
• The student thoughtfully considering their response.
• A positive outcome where the adult respects the student's decision, whether it is yes or no.

Present your storyboards to the class and discuss how they reflect respectful communication and consent in physical activities.

In this clip, two characters, Charlotte and Leon, are arguing in the school bathroom. We learn that Leon and Charlotte used to be in a relationship and Leon cheated on Charlotte with Legs. Leon and Legs are now dating. This is the first moment Charlotte and Leon discuss this betrayal of trust.

Reflect

In groups, analyse this scene working through the following discussion points:

• Do you think Leon’s reasoning for cheating on and breaking up with Charlotte is valid? Why or why not? 
• Do you think that the relationship between Leon and Charlotte is built on respect and clear communication? What part of the dialogue between Leon and Charlotte suggests / supports this?
• Discuss the body language and invasion of space that occurs in this scene. How does power and control shift between these two characters throughout the scene?
• Think about the confrontation before and after Leon and Charlotte kiss. Did they have consent for this kiss? Why or why not?
• If both characters asked for consent, offering a moment to stop and reflect before the kiss, do you think Leon and Charlotte would have given consent for the kiss? Why or why not?
• Both Leon and Charlotte did not have consent for this kiss, there was no explicit asking for or consent given from either character. Charlotte is upset and Leon is actively moving into Charlotte’s personal space throughout the scene. The shift of power in this moment is uncomfortable to watch as a viewer. It is clear to us as the audience that this is not a respectful relationship, however when you are in these positions it is hard to see and reflect on the bigger picture and that is why it is important to ask for consent.

Explore

Listen to Anika and Kien-Ling discuss this scene in the Even More Than This podcast in Ep. 1 / Roll Call. Leon and Charlotte’s kiss is discussed at 14 min 15 sec - 20 min 40 sec.

Create

What would this scene look like if communication was clear and consent was asked and denied? 

In pairs or teams of three rewrite the scenes to include a moment where our characters ask for consent. You could rewrite the scene through a written story, a script, a comic or other visual representation.  

As an extension task, share your recreated scene with another group and provide feedback on the language used for consent.

In the first scene, we see gatecrashers at Reece’s birthday party loitering around Lily’s bedroom. The boys knock down a photo of her mother and when Lily goes to pick it up, they take a photo of her without her consent. The photo is then edited and shared. Back at the house, the housemates go through the photos, Lily claiming she is fine when she clearly is not. Vee sits down with Lily and explains that she will be there for her.

Reflect

In small groups, analyse this clip from Ready for This and discuss the following points:

• Discuss how and why taking and sharing photos without someone’s permission is a violation of consent.
• What could the person who took Lily’s photo have done differently in this situation?
• Why do you think the photo was shared and turned into memes online? What might have motivated this behaviour?
• How do you think Lily is feeling after this incident, and what impact might it have on her trust and self-esteem?

Explore

As a class, discuss the following questions:

• How would you define image-based abuse? Read the definition on the eSafety Comissioner website.
• Given this definition do you think that the image taken and altered of Lily is considered image-based abuse and is illegal?
• What would you like to learn more about regarding online safety and image-based abuse?

In groups, work through these discussion points and activities:

• In the episode, Lily’s friends and Vee support her during this tough time. Why do you think it’s important to seek help and talk to others in these situations?
• Friends can be a strong support system. Who else could Lily turn to for help? Investigate support networks available for young people, such as family, school counsellors, Kids Helpline, or the eSafety Commissioner.
• How can Lily’s friends further show their support and understanding while she’s dealing with this situation?
• Make your own list of trusted people or organisations you would feel comfortable contacting if you were worried about relationships, consent or online abuse.

Create

Everyone has the right to feel safe and protected everywhere, including at school. Schools have well considered policies in place to support students experiencing issues online such as sexting and image-based abuse. It is important that the school community understand and support these procedures.

Read your school's policies to see how respectful relationships, sexting and consent, are referenced. If you are having difficulty locating these policies, ask your teacher. 

In groups, critically analyse your school’s policies by addressing these questions:

• Who is the intended audience for these policies? Are they written for students, parents, or both? Should there be different versions for different audiences?
• Which policies address respectful relationships, image-based abuse, and consent? Should these topics be included in multiple policies? Why or why not?
• Do the policies provide clear guidelines and expectations? Highlight any sections that are unclear or need updating. Are there gaps in the policies? Make a list of key points or information that should be added.
• Imagine Lily’s situation occurred at your school. Does your school’s policy outline appropriate consequences and support for such incidents? How could the policies be improved?

If you feel changes are needed, compile your recommendations into a single-page document to present to your school leadership, Student Representative Council, or wider school community.

If your school lacks policies covering respectful relationships, online safety, and consent, collaborate as a class to draft new policies. Focus on clarity, inclusivity, and ensuring the safety and support of all students.

Australian Curriculum Links