Adolescent resistance narratives in a satirical schoolyard : The case of summer heights high

The Australian 'mockumentary' Summer Heights High depicts a fictional secondary school. Among the protagonists are archetypal adolescents - male and female - whose relationships with the institution and their peers may be interpreted as resistance narratives. Although purportedly satirical representations, the characters are depicted with striking realism; as such, it is argued, they may serve as models for analysis of the school environment. This article focuses on Jonah, an eighth-grader whose learning difficulties, literacy problems, and anti-social behaviour are entwined with his self-identification as an ethnic (Polynesian) outsider. His behaviours and attitude may be seen as a radically inarticulate expression of his own ethnic, social, and intellectual otherness. It is argued here that because of the mutually intractable and radically opposed natures of the traditional education institution and the 'Jonahs' with whom it must deal, only a paradigm shift in the system and perhaps society overall will 'save' such students. The article discusses alternative education models, and argues that current political pressures on schools and teachers to 'improve performance' miss the point and do more harm than good. © 2009 International Australian Studies Association