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Section 4

Programme of Study: An Example

This section provides an illustration of good practice based on the attainment targets for health education in the form of a programme of study.

The programme of study provided is only intended to indicate some ways in which the attainment targets can become pupil activities.

Programme of study: illustration of good practice

Strand Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E Level F

Physical health
This strand explores physical factors in relation to our health and looking after ourselves.

Exploring feeling well, growing and changing

  • favourite food/eating well
  • need for sleep and exercise
  • care of teeth and gums
  • purpose of medicine and taking it safely
  • ways of keeping safe in the road environment
  • routines for keeping clean
  • different parts of the body
  • differences in size and shapes of bodies
  • where living things come from.
  • Learning ways to help our bodies be healthy

  • choosing healthy routines, e.g. regular exercise, food, water and sleep
  • ways of keeping clean to protect self and others, e.g. food storage and preparation
  • identifying substances that may be harmful, e.g. cleaning fluids, weedkiller
  • exploring ways in which medicines are used
  • identifying ways of using roads safely
  • recognising that each person is unique
  • exploring changes in the body
  • learning how human life begins.
  • Studying the link between our health and our actions

  • choosing a varied diet
  • identifying the impact of exercise, leisure and rest on fitness, food needs and appearance
  • exploring ways of reducing risk of infection, e.g. dealing with cuts
  • recognising the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol, solvents and illegal drugs
  • identifying the benefits of not using harmful substances
  • learning about the changes at puberty for boys and girls
  • appreciating differences and the role of heredity.
  • Investigating personal needs and changes that happen

  • evaluating own lifestyle pattern
  • exploring hereditary characteristics and conditions
  • exploring ways the body is protected from infections, for example natural immunity, vaccinations
  • understanding disability
  • exploring the links between physical, emotional and social health
  • exploring strategies for dealing with risk situations
  • investigating the links between menstruation, pregnancy and birth
  • recognising implications of sexual development.
  • Investigating issues that impact on our quality of life

  • making choices that affect health, such as eating patterns, sport and leisure activities
  • identifying health-enhancing activities
  • practising decision-making and other strategies, e.g. in relation to drugs, personal safety.
  • Demonstrating personal management skills

  • reviewing personal health action plans
  • practising stress management strategies
  • exploring ways in which the media can influence personal image.
  • Emotional health
    This strand explores emotions, feelings and relationships and how they affect our mental wellbeing

    Learning about family and special people

  • identifying special people, animals, things
  • exploring ways in which special people care for them
  • exploring own feelings and recognising feelings in others
  • learning to share and care for others.
  • Learning about feelings, family and friendship
  • exploring different feelings and emotions, e.g. happy, sad, angry
  • extending vocabulary for communicating emotions and feelings
  • being part of a family
  • identifying what being a friend means
  • investigating the roles of people who care for them, e.g. doctor, police, school-crossing patrol
  • helping others.
  • Learning how to recognise and manage emotions and deal with situations
  • practising ways of communicating effectively with others
  • exploring ways of making and keeping friends
  • exploring issues surrounding loss and grief and related emotions
  • reflecting on experiences and ways of dealing with problems, e.g. loss, bullying, drug misuse.
  • Investigating the impact of behaviours and pressures on relationships, feelings and self-confidence

  • exploring ways in which people behave in different situations
  • practising strategies to deal with a range of situations, e.g. when with friends, family
  • exploring ways of managing the transition between primary and secondary school
  • practising strategies for managing stress
  • establishing own sense of self-worth
  • being oneself but learning how to cope with others' expectations
  • exploring influences of self, peer and media on perception of body image
  • exploring gender roles and stereotypes.
  • Developing strategies for managing situations and relationships

  • establishing positive relationships
  • exploring ways of being a supportive friend
  • practising skills such as assertiveness, negotiating in a range of situations
  • exploring ways to seek help and advice
  • considering different kinds of change that happen in their lives
  • exploring ways of dealing with sexual feelings towards others
  • considering parenting roles
  • investigating family planning issues.
  • Studying effective relationships, skills and strategies, for example affirming, supporting, deflecting
  • exploring responsibilities in relationships
  • practising ways of deflecting and resolving conflict, coping with disappointment
  • identifying ways of seeking help with personal difficulties
  • practising strategies to deal with change.
  • Social health
    This strand explores the interaction of the individual, the community and the environment in relation to health and safety.
    Exploring ways to keep the environment clean, stay safe and get help
  • showing simple ways of keeping own environment clean
  • showing simple ways of keeping safe at home, e.g. in the kitchen, at play
  • recognising safe ways of crossing the road and being near water, identifying safe routes to school
  • recognising simple ways of keeping safe, e.g. who to tell.
  • Identifying ways to keep safe and avoid hazards

  • dealing with litter
  • identifying simple strategies to keep safe, e.g. safe ways of preparing food, using sun-screen
  • practising how to get help after an accident, e.g. dialling 999
  • practising simple ways of responding to a bullying incident
  • identifying simple ways of dealing with potential hazards, e.g. drug litter.
  • Learning about our role in the community and how it responds to us
  • practising first-aid strategies such as the recovery position
  • avoiding hazards, e.g. crime, misuse of substances
  • practising personal safety strategies
  • investigating roles of different people, e.g. people who work locally
  • exploring simple ways to help in the community, e.g. being a responsible road user
  • investigating safe ways of travelling
  • exploring ways of helping the school be a health-promoting school.
  • Investigating issues that impact on health and the wider environment
  • exploring impact of factors such as air and car pollution, passive smoking, industry
  • exploring social and cultural influences on health
  • identifying safe food practices
  • investigating personal safety strategies
  • investigating community provision for protecting health
  • practising emergency first-aid skills
  • investigating ways of contributing to democratic groups in the community, e.g. pupil councils
  • exploring strategies to promote equal opportunities and take action on discrimination, e.g. mental health and racial incidents.
  • Investigating global environmental issues, health & safety laws and support services
  • investigating global environmental change and risks to health, e.g. skin protection, global warming and changes in disease patterns
  • exploring the law in relation to health protection, e.g. vehicle seat belts, restriction on alcohol at sports events, child-resistant containers for medicines, speed limits
  • investigating relevant aspects of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • establishing where to get help
  • evaluating the roles of different professionals
  • identifying voluntary organisations and their role in the community.
  • Exploring rights and responsibilities

  • identifying guidelines to protect the environment
  • considering own contribution to supporting laws on health and safety within the local community
  • identifying ways of contributing to protection of the local community and environment
  • exploring community-based initiatives that promote health and safety.

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