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health education guide for this age group. It is a simple applied physiology
course which aims:—
(a) To give pupils a better understanding of the growth, development and
function of their own bodies.
(b) To inculcate a sense of responsibility with regard to their future
health.
(c) To encourage an awareness of environmental influences on the health
of the individual and the community.
The course is divided into 10 units and includes suggestions for visual
aids and themes for activities and further discussion which can be taken
up in other subject areas.
2. A course "The Child and his World - study of children from 0 to 5 years"
for pupils of 14+ years, of particular interest to Home Economics and Social
Studies teachers, was also devised and is being tested in Monks Hill, John
Ruskin and Lanfranc Schools. It is designed:-
(a) To give pupils a greater understanding ofthe physical development and
care of young children.
(b) To enlarge their understanding of the part played by heredity and
environment.
(c) To emphasise the importance of family life in the rearing of children.
For convenience this course is also divided into 10 units, containing
suggestions for visual aids and themes for further discussion.. Pupils
are encouraged to observe normal growth and development by studying
one or two children in depth and completing a child development chart
throughout the course.
3. The existing community health syllabus for pupils of 14+ years was
also revised and re-printed.
For various reasons there is often lack of carry-over of what is learned
in school tp the home and community. With this in mind and the current
emphasis which is being placed on parent education, other new components
were included in the health education programmes in some schools:—
(a) Parents were invited to evening exhibition/demonstrations of materials
used during health education courses in schools. These were arranged
by Health Education Officers with the co-operation of the teachers and
health visitors concerned. They were very well attended, the material
aroused great interest and the effort was felt to be very well worthwhile.
(b) There will always be difficulty in reaching those parents who perhaps
need the most help and understanding. However others, not necessarily
those with social difficulties, are also often glad to be reassured about
their children's development. The Principal Health Education Officer
spoke at meetings held in schools on "The Growth and Development of
the Primary School Child" and "The Growth and Development of Adolescents"
and hopes to encourage more of these meetings in the future.