Health Promotion
In accordance with the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 all schools have a duty to be health promoting environments and for all food and drink served in schools (including those provided out-with the school lunch service) to comply with nutritional standards. All Aberdeen City Council schools continue to embed this within their practice.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility and is threaded throughout the Curriculum for Excellence. Learning in health and wellbeing ensures children and young people develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future. Within health and wellbeing the following areas are taught from nursery until the end of secondary:
- Mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing;
- Planning for choices and change;
- Food and health;
- Substance misuse; and
- Relationships, sexual health and parenthood.
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood Education
Relationships, sexual health and parenthood education is carried out as part of the health and wellbeing programme within Curriculum for Excellence. All school students take part in this programme from nursery until they leave at the end of secondary school.
Through relationships, sexual health and parenthood education staff aim to work together with parents in helping young people to develop caring, respectful and loving relationships, and to appreciate the need for stability in bringing up children. There is a focus on giving young people factually accurate information at appropriate times, and on helping them to think about and discuss the issues and possible consequences of courses of action.
Relationships, sexual health and parenthood education in schools is carried out in accordance with national advice. You can access the resource on the RSHP website. You may also be interested to read the Key Messages for Young People on Healthy Relationships and Consent which were published by the Scottish Government.
Personal Care
All schools in Aberdeen provide free access to period products for pupils. Based on the Scottish Government guiding principles, each school has developed their own practice to promote and deliver the initiative relevant for their pupils and context.
Substance Misuse Education
The topics of alcohol, tobacco and drugs are covered in a way that is relevant to the age and maturity of pupils. The Council also has clear guidelines for dealing with drug-related incidents. Schools will inform and involve parents on drug issues.