Borders hosts Health Promoting Schools conference
Thursday, November 27 2008
Scottish Borders Council (SBC) hosted a Health Promoting Schools Conference in Galashiels recently.
Representatives from local organisations such as NHS Borders, Border Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT), Safer Routes to Schools, Healthy Working Lives and Active Schools gathered to celebrate the excellent health promoting work that is happening in schools across the region.
Executive Member for Education Councillor Catriona Bhatia welcomed the guests: “I have visited every school in the Borders and have been impressed by the emphasis which is placed on a wide range of health issues - from healthy eating to walking to school and sexual health to coping with exam stress. We know there is still a long way to go but the achievements of our schools so far are setting the foundations for the future health of the region, and the nation.”
Most schools in the Borders have now received phase one in the Health Promoting Schools Accreditation scheme and are looking at moving forward to phase two.
During the conference, a ‘market place’ displayed the various services available to support schools in taking forward health actions. Various workshops also took place to share good practice in relation to issues such as effective health promoting in early years, physical and mental wellbeing, drug/alcohol awareness and emotional literacy.
Frances Price, SBC’s Health Promoting Schools Co-ordinator, organised the event and was pleased with the turnout: “It was an interesting day of workshops where schools presented examples of good practice. We also had keynote speakers such as Professor Bart McGettrick, Emeritus Professor of Education from Glasgow University, who provided a focus and real buzz for taking forward further health in schools.”
Among the schools involved were Eyemouth Primary School pupils who held a workshop in relation to emotional literacy.
Headteacher from Eyemouth Primary School Kath Easton said: "Our pupils gained tremendously from the experience. They benefited from sharing their learning experiences with delegates at the conference. For many pupils, it was the first time that they had spoken to a group of adults and it has boosted their confidence - particularly when the feedback given to them was so positive. Curriculum for Excellence is about pupils being confident individuals and effective contributors. The experience of presenting at the conference has given us opportunity to build on these capacities."
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