Over the past four months, the Pre-primary class has participated in a dialogical drawing research project overseen by Dr. Amelia Ruscoe, a leader in Early Childhood Education at Edith Cowan University, in collaboration with the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA). Alongside several other Perth metropolitan schools, Parklands has been part of a study group that has informed and piloted a school engagement tool, utilised in conjunction with children's drawings and conversations.

Grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which upholds a child's right to be heard, dialogical drawing provides a medium for children's voices and perspectives to be expressed. This approach positions the child as the expert, seeking insights into engagement and factors that may influence disengagement through both conversation and drawing.

In partnership with their teacher, Alice Morgan, the children participated in one-on-one sessions piloting the tool, combining drawing, questioning, conversation and feedback from the children themselves. This process allowed for an authentic representation of the children's feelings and ideas on how school experiences could be improved, in a manner which considers drawing as an age appropriate and powerful symbolic tool, which can enhance verbal expression.

Moving forward, this pilot will be assessed for viability by a range of educational specialists, with the goal of being rolled out across a broader range of schools statewide. Research findings, including those collated from Parklands, will be summarised and published by Dr. Amelia Ruscoe in the near future.

As a school, we are committed to current research practices, well-being, and a curriculum that is not only academically rigorous but also caters to the individual needs of each child. Actively participating in educational research of this nature enables us to remain at the forefront of current best practices, which are both innovative and align with our school values.