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21
HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
Miss D.S. Elliott, S.R.N., H.V. Cert., D.H.E.
Principal Health Education Officer.
With the co-operation of the Education Department and good will of many
teachers, the Health Education Section was well able to exercise its function
to reinforce and extend health education activities in schools during 1970.
Secondary Schools
The basic framework "The Community Health Course" described in "Public
Health in Croydon 1969" is now interpreted and developed widely in many
schools. Certain concepts are the unifying thread and reflect the scope of
health education in the curricula:—
(a) That growth and development influences and is influenced by the structure
and function of the individual.
(b) There are reciprocal relationships involving man, disease and environment.
(c) Decision making.
In-Service Training
1. During the past 12 years some 80% of Croydon Secondary Schools were
helped by the Health Education Section in various ways. While wishing to
continue this service to the schools it was felt that the form of help given
should be reappraised, particularly as many aspects of the original community
health course are now included in "0" level biology, the new Combined
Science courses and several C.S.E. courses.
With the agreement of the steering committee for educational development
four meetings were arranged in the Health Education Section at Tabemer House
to cover all secondary schools, some 10 schools being represented at each
meeting. Two firm recommendations emerged, the first of which was implemented
during the Autumn term:—
(3) A course of 10 weekly sessions on the medical content of the Community
Health Syllabus was held at Coombe Cliffe Education Centre. Lectures
and discussions were given by local specialists and consultants and
covered such subjects as environmental health, growth and development,
weight control, smoking and health, drugs and alcohol, venereal disease
and family planning.
Number of schools involved = 22.
Number of teachers involved = 64.
Average attendance per session = 29.5
A questionnaire returned by teachers showed that health education was
dealt with in biology, home economics and social studies. Others found opportunities
during general science, physical education and religious education.