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HEALTH EDUCATION
In the early part of the year a School Medical Officer
who was particularly interested in this work was asked to approach
Head Teachers to put before them a scheme for Education in Health
which could be applied in their schools and to enquire whether this
would be acceptable to them as being of value in the total education of
the child. Almost without exception the approach was welcomed and
subsequently schools were visited by a medical officer who made use of
films, discussions and talks with selected groups of pupils.
In many instances these were extended to include Parent-Teacher
Associations and in all instances parents were advised of the content
and manner in which these matters were to be presented to the pupils.
The result of the pilot scheme was to create a demand
for these activities which far outreached the available resources0
All Secondary Schools have indicated their wish to participate in this
work and the interest shown is most encouraging to those who feel that
education in positive health is an essential part of preparation
for adult life. If for no other reason the response of the pupils
themselves in demanding further information on matters of health and
personal relationships is sufficient to justify the continuation and
expansion of this work.
The interest of Head Teachers and other members of
school staffs is very much appreciated and the time that they have made
available in crowded school curricula is highly valued by those concerned
with this work. There is no doubt that additional resources will have
to be made available in the future to meet the demands which have become
apparent.
SCHOOL POPULATION
The Registrar-General's estimated population of the Borough at
mid-year 1967 was 165,250 (165,840) of whom 21,200 (21,000) were children
between the ages of 5 - 14 years inclusive„ The number of children on
the register of the local Education Authority Schools was 19,690 (19,348).
The number of children continuing full-time education at school
after the compulsory school leaving age of 15 years continues to increase.
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