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Introduction
This document sets out guidelines for learning and teaching in health education for the age range 5-14 in Scottish schools. The advice in these guidelines is firmly based on that contained in the environmental studies guidelines published in 1993. The advice also takes careful account of schools' experience and policy development in health education since that time. The publication of guidelines dedicated to health education 5-14 is an acknowledgement of the importance the Scottish Executive places on this aspect of the curriculum.
The guidelines are intended to meet the needs of all pupils aged 5-14 in Scottish schools. They are based on an inclusive model of the curriculum that is flexible enough for use in a wide variety of school contexts.
The guidelines provide a basis for schools to use in reviewing their existing programmes for health education. Health Education: 5-14 National Guidelines has one attainment outcome: 'taking responsibility for health'. This outcome covers the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in respect of health education. The attainment targets provide a progression from levels A to F and a clear indication of how the necessary combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes can be achieved in ways that are manageable and effective.
The guidelines are based on the three interconnected themes of physical health, emotional health and social health. Physical health explores physical factors in relation to our health and looking after ourselves. Emotional health explores emotions, feelings and mental health and how these affect us and our relationships. Social health explores the interactions of the individual, the community and the environment in relation to health and safety.
Health education is naturally linked to wider issues of personal and social development. The guidelines provide a flexible means by which schools can integrate into personal and social development (PSD) programmes and other curriculum areas those aspects of health education best covered in such settings. Whatever arrangements schools make for health education there must be a clear programme that shows where it is taught separately and where it is linked to other aspects of the curriculum.The concept of the health-promoting school is central to the guidelines' rationale. It is hoped that the guidelines will provide a means of planning and managing imaginative cross-curricular and whole-school approaches to health education.
No matter what approach a school takes to the planning of health education, it is imperative that the approach is carefully managed and coordinated. The guidelines are accompanied by a Guide for Teachers and Managers, which offers practical advice on a range of issues such as meeting pupils' needs and the concept of the health-promoting school. Together they provide schools with a route to health education provision that meets the needs of young people in Scotland at the beginning of the twenty-first century. [RETURN TO 5-14 ONLINE] [BACK] [INDEX]
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