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7
A preliminary meeting was held at Heath Clark School between
Mr. Houslop, Headmaster, Dr. Weeks, Chief School Inspector, Miss
May, Senior Woman Inspector and the Health Education Officer to
discuss the content and presentation of health education to
senior pupils in Grammar Schools. Some members of the sixth
form (girls and boys) were asked to write down anonymously and
without previous warning any health questions to which they
would like an answer. From this very small investigation it was
realised that there was a considerable lack of basic knowledge
on health and human biology and a considerable amount of
didactic teaching, as well as discussion, would have to be included
in such a course. It was thought that in future much of
this basic information could be given in the General Science
courses lower down the school and more emphasis placed on its
practical application to daily life and the family.
Junior Schools
Another experiment has been tried in Junior Schools following
the request by the Headmaster of Spring Park Junior School
for advice on dealing with the early onset of menstruation among
some of the girls. The mothers of the girls in the senior class
were invited to an evening discussion group led by the Health
Education Officer. The discussion was introduced by showing the
short film (intended for children) called "Growing Girls" in
order that the whole group should have accurate knowledge before
trying to discuss the subject. Mothers who had succeeded in explaining
the facts to their children were encouraged to describe
the opportunities and methods they used, thereby helping those
who had experienced difficulty in broaching the subject. Discussion
was lively and constructive. The mothers requested another
meeting to which they could bring their daughters to see
the film and be given a short talk. Mothers and daughters would
then have had a common experience and would be able to discuss
Quietly at home any queries that might arise. This was successfully
carried out and two other schools asked for the same
service. It is hoped that this will encourage all Junior Schools
to make these two meetings an annual event.
Smoking and Lung Cancer Campaign.
Progress in the smoking and lung cancer campaign continued
to be disappointingly slow. Fewer schools requested discussions
general apathy, smoking publicity and automatic cigarette
machines form an overwhelming barrier, but the service continues
to be offered.