Signs, Symbols and Education

On the 2^nd of August 2012 the Australian Paper made clear of the continuing disappointing results the Australian team is facing in the 30^th Olympic Games at London. The news article is a perfect example of cultural interests and forms which in this case would be targeting the passionate sport fanatics in Australia and those Australians who hold a great sense of national pride. The article’s main focus is Australia’s swim team and their downfall in the games. The title “Swim team heads for worst Olympics in 20 years as Magnussen misses gold” clearly reflects the large emphasis on Australia ‘sporting culture as disappointment comes rarely. In relation to the reading of culture and identity Widham, Pudsy& Boyd talk about Stuart halls circuit of culture which is made up of representation, regulation, identity, production and consumption. These ideas come together to express five elements that symbolize meaning or representation for an Individuals cultural identity. This article is exclusively concerned with the Australian team in the Olympics and is aimed at the patriotic Australian citizens and sport fans, the representation of this is seen through its title and the symbol for our success over the years in swimming is highlighted by the symbolic gold medal. 

In saying this, those who aren't Australian, who are not sport fans and not patriotic won’t identify, be interested or consumed by the “Australian article”. Similarly in education students will be faced with many subjects which they might or might not identify with depending on their cultural background and identity which they have formed over their life experiences and upbringing. In terms of sport in education many students might have been raised in a family who have a high emphasis on physical activity and therefore will excel and be more tempted to engage and participate in subjects such as PDHPE or sports science. 

In contrast those students whose cultural background has an emphasis on theoretical subjects such as maths and English will be less likely to engage in sport activities. Here halls circuit of culture can illustrate an individual’s success and achievement in the subjects outlined in the school curriculum. However the question can be posed whether or not the school curriculum should be altered to suit the wide cultural diversity of students in Australia. To end I must note that that a sign or symbol just like the title of the Australian article plays a very significant part in the cultural identity of an individual; hence and individuals religious beliefs, values and interests either can enhance or decline their results in certain subjects.

 The Australian News , Jeffery N & Smith W,  August 02, 2012 10:40AM, Accessed on the 3^rd of August 2012. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/london-games/swim-team-heads-for-worst-olympics-in-20-years-as-magnussen-misses-gold/story-fne3a96w-1226441210234

Wadham, B. Pudsey, J .Boyd, R. Culture and education, Pearson Education Australia, Chapter 1: What is culture? pp. 1-33