Eliciting the views of children about health in schools through the use of the draw and write technique

Abstract

A draw and write scenario was devised in order to elicit the views of primary school pupils (ages 8-12) regarding the qualities they would expect to see in a school which promotes health, and the qualities their own schools need to develop to become more health promoting. The draw and write investigation was conducted in a sample of six primary schools in Lothian, Scotland. These schools are located in both urban and rural environments, and cater for communities of different socioeconomic status. Categorisation of the children's responses revealed that the majority of pupils from all the schools considered issues relating to healthy eating, the school environment and exercise as being vital elements of a healthy school. There was inter-school variation in the richness of data produced and range of responses given. The scenario was also capable of detecting intra-school similarities and differences in response. We conclude that this draw and write investigation could be utilised to ascertain pupils' opinions on the qualities schools need to possess and develop to promote health. These views, in turn, could help to inform the development of the Health Promoting School concept.