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work, some of which was demonstrated on Open Day. It is felt
that this course could very well be widened to give the girls a
greater awareness of community Health.
An average of two teaching sessions to supplement the school
programmes and advice on content and sources of information were
given hy the Health Education Officer in nine other schools.
One other Domestic Science Mistress who wished to be brought
up-to-date with Mothercraft teaching attended an evening course
of seven Mothercraft classes given to expectant mothers by the
Assistant Health Education Officer at Lodge Road clinic. It was
found to be a very valuable experience and this service will be
extended with pleasure to any mistress who would find it
interesting and helpful.
This shows clearly that interest can be aroused and maintained
with the necessary help given to the teaching staff and
that time can be found for the inclusion of health education in
the syllabus.
Junior Schools
Last year in some Junior schools two evening sessions were
held, the first for mothers and the second for mothers with their
daughters of the fourth year group, on the subject of "Growing
Girls". These proved so successful and helpful to the mothers
that the service was offered to the thirty-six Junior Schools in
the Borough, it is hoped to have visited than all by the end of
the school year and in future to hold these talks annually.
Moral Welfare of School-Age Girls
Towards the end of 1960 and throughout 1961 the Health
Education Officer was invited to take part in meetings arranged
tjy the Chairman of the Education committee during which a number
of persons who were concerned could discuss the incidence of
pregnancy among girls still at school and whether there were any
steps which could be taken to help in this disturbing problem.
As a result of the advice of the Reverend Chad Varah, founder
of the "Samaritans" Society and the example of schemes carried
out in the southwark Diocese the following two-part programme
was arranged:-
To train a panel of speakers who would be ready to
talk to girls of all denominations in Secondary Schools on
Personal Relationships" if invited to do so by the Head Teacher.
The training included lectures on theology of sex and marriage,
Personal relationships, physiology and preparation for marriage.