Media, Pop Culture and Storytelling: Helping Students Think Critically About the World Around Them
- Wednesday 8th July 2026
- Schools
Today's students consume more media than any generation before them.
From social media and streaming platforms to podcasts, films and digital news, young people encounter thousands of messages every day. Helping students understand how media shapes opinions, culture and identity has become an essential part of modern education.
A school excursion to Madame Tussauds Sydney provides an engaging opportunity to explore these ideas through storytelling, celebrity culture and the people who influence public conversations.
Rather than focusing solely on famous faces, students are encouraged to consider how stories are created, how reputations are built and why some individuals become household names while others do not.
Why Media Literacy Matters
Media literacy helps students become thoughtful, informed and responsible consumers of information.
During their visit, students can reflect on questions such as:
- Why do some stories become global news?
- How do celebrities influence society?
- What role does social media play in shaping public opinion?
- How can images influence our perceptions?
These discussions naturally connect with classroom learning in English, Humanities and Media Studies.
Supporting the Curriculum
Madame Tussauds Sydney complements learning across:
English
Students develop:
- critical thinking
- visual literacy
- persuasive language
- communication
- creative writing
Media
Students investigate:
- audience
- representation
- influence
- branding
- storytelling
PDHPE
Students explore:
- identity
- role models
- wellbeing
- respectful relationships
- online influence
Storytelling Is Everywhere
Every figure inside Madame Tussauds Sydney tells a story.
Some represent sporting excellence.
Others demonstrate leadership.
Some celebrate creativity.
Others showcase scientific discovery.
Teachers can encourage students to think about:
- What story is this exhibit telling?
- Why was this person chosen?
- What message does the display communicate?
- How would you tell this story differently?
These discussions promote analytical thinking while encouraging students to recognise that stories can be presented in different ways.
Classroom Activities
Students could:
- analyse media representation
- write feature articles
- produce interviews
- create podcasts
- compare traditional and social media
- develop marketing campaigns
These tasks encourage students to apply what they've observed during the excursion.
Continue Learning Across Darling Harbour
Media connects naturally with many other learning areas.
Continue to Sydney Tower Eye, where students can investigate how Sydney is represented in tourism and media.
Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to discuss conservation campaigns and environmental communication.
Explore WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo to examine how wildlife education influences public attitudes towards biodiversity.
Together, these attractions demonstrate how storytelling shapes our understanding of people, places and the environment.
Inspire students to think critically about media, storytelling and influence.
Book your school excursion to Madame Tussauds Sydney and create an engaging educational experience by combining your visit with Sydney Tower Eye, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. Check out our range of resources, or view excursion rates.
Book an Excursion
Frequently Asked Questions
English, Media Studies, Humanities, PDHPE and Careers education.
Yes. The attraction encourages thoughtful discussion around communication, influence, identity and storytelling.
Absolutely. Madame Tussauds Sydney is located within walking distance of SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Sydney Tower Eye, making it easy to design a cross-curricular day of learning.
