In 2004 the Curriculum Review Group made a commitment to update, simplify and prioritise the curriculum. These draft experiences and outcomes in health and wellbeing are the fulfilment of that promise.
There are strong connections between effective, successful learning and health. Through this curriculum area, Curriculum for Excellence takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and promotes the aspiration that all children and young people should be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
This paper summarises what every practitioner needs to know about the experiences and outcomes for health and wellbeing. It is being published at the same time as the health promotion guidance for the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act, 2007. Together, these documents describe the expectations upon individuals, schools and local authorities for promoting the health and wellbeing of children and young people. It is therefore important to read these documents alongside each other.
Curriculum for Excellence has an important role to play in promoting the health and wellbeing of children and young people and of all of those in the educational communities to which they belong. This paper outlines roles and responsibilities to aid planning for health and wellbeing across the curriculum, and provides questions to stimulate professional reflection and engagement.
‘Learning through health and wellbeing promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes and dispositions. Because of this, it is the responsibility of every teacher to contribute to learning and development in this area.’ (Building the Curriculum 1)
Some aspects of health and wellbeing are the responsibility of all practitioners: these are identified throughout the experiences and outcomes through the use of italics.
The draft experiences and outcomes are in keeping with the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, which sets out the right for all children to have access to appropriate health services and to have their health and wellbeing promoted. They build on the considerable work of Health Promoting Schools and the publication of ‘Being Well, Doing Well’ which underlines the importance of a ‘health enhancing’ school ethos – one characterised by care, respect, participation, responsibility and fairness for all. The framework complements the duty in the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) ( Scotland) Act that Scottish Ministers and local authorities endeavour to ensure that all schools are health promoting.
The draft experiences and outcomes draw upon the best of current practice in early years, primary and secondary schools and in youth work settings. They are structured under the following headings: