Playing to learn

Cultural diversity is “The understanding and sharing between different cultures and its positive value to society as a whole.”  (Queensland Government Department of Education, Training and Employment. 2014)

Australia is a multicultural country and as such many schools in Australia are multi-cultural. It is this reason why creating a school culture that values diversity is important in order to help create a harmonious learning environment for all students. (Asia Education Foundation, .2000)

A study performed in South Australia of eight schools with diverse populations found that when students with language backgrounds other than English felt alienated from the school environment they tended to form a ‘counter culture’ –When whose values and norms of behaviour differed substantially from mainstream society (The British Library Board.) They would associate and form strong friendships based on ethnicity.

In order to avoid such sub cultures from forming it is extremely important for schools to foster and encourage acceptance and assimilation of all cultural groups within a school.

In 2009 a survey of 698 secondary school students across four states discovered that: 70% of participants stated experiences of racism, and that 67% of these racist occurrences happened at school. Furthermore, 52% of the racist experiences, regardless as to whether it happened in or outside of school, were reported by students to their teachers. (Mansouri & Jenkins 2010)

There are many benefits to recognising and acknowledging different cultural backgrounds within schools. Benefits such as increased learner engagement, improved self-worth, respect and resilience; and social and citizenship inclusion is fostered.  (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Melbourne,. 2014)

In order for young children to become aware and accepting of varying cultural groups in the school and in the community education is paramount. Positive exposure to traditions, food, celebrations and so forth of other cultures allows children to gain a thorough understanding that different cultures are in Australia. Many young children have limited exposure to cultures different than their own when at home, and therefore can be judgmental towards things which are different to what they are familiar with.

Learning about the different cultures within a school also helps students from other cultures to feel accepted, respected and a part of the school community. (Wertheim & Trinder, 2011)

Culture is the fundamental building block of identity and the development of a strong cultural identity is essential to children’s healthy sense of who they are and where they belong. Understanding cultural competence. (Early Years learning framework Professional Learning Program. 2011. p.1)