Annesley Junior School: Mapping Empathy and Belonging

Beyond the Label: Auditory Cartography of a Culture of Care

The Challenge: Deepening Cultural Understanding For critical initiatives like "Bullying No Way Week," standard instructional programs often fail because they address behaviour without activating genuine empathy. The goal was to move beyond the flat rules and instill a deep sense of belonging.

The Process: Amplifying the Unspoken Texture Our approach was to use Cultural Cartography to map the hidden dynamics of the school’s community and its core values. We didn't seek data points; we sought emotional texture. We worked with students, families and staff to create a unique sonic experience. This was shared with the community as a podcast episode.

The Impact: A Felt Sense of Community We elevated "Bullying No Way Week" from a simple exercise to a collective act of cultural affirmation. By making the emotional stories audible and tangible, the school fostered a deeper, embodied understanding of empathy that we captured together. The community was given a shared aesthetic experience that affirmed their values, and gave them an opportunity to continue to engage with.