Information Bulletin
15 November 2005
Health Promoting Schools
Three Shetland schools recently became the first to be measured against the local Health Promoting Schools accreditation scheme. At the recent Education In-service session Councillor Bill Manson presented certificates to Jennifer Wadley, Head Teacher of Whiteness Primary School, Kate Grieve, Depute Head of Sound School and Kevin Smith Principal Teacher of P.E. at Anderson High School.
These awards were the result of considerable work done by the three schools. Whiteness School changed their tuckshop to reflect the ideas in the Hungry for Success initiative. There is very good communication with parents including a regularly updated website and strong evidence of regular consultation. Sound School provides a wide variety of extra curricular activities for children and a programme to support staff well being. Both primary schools have encouraged children to be more active by making improvements to their playgrounds. Anderson High School recently held its second successful health week with a number of activities to promote mental health. Healthy breakfasts were prepared by teachers, porridge and fruit being very popular choices. Pupils were involved in making positive changes like the recent campaign to improve the toilet facilities. Support programmes include peers working with pupils who have additional support needs.
Schools have to prepare a portfolio of evidence under the headings of leadership, ethos, partnership, curriculum, and the environment. This is followed by a visit to each school by an accreditation team which is a partnership of education, community development and health promotion staff.
Jo Kopela of the Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit congratulated Shetland for the considerable work done already. There are currently 13 schools in Shetland registered with the scheme. The Scottish Executive target is for all schools to be involved by 2007.
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