AS Level Health and Social Care students recently carried out small-scale health-promotion campaigns throughout the school, to promote good health. This is part of a module within their studies, which is delivered by Ms Caroline McShane. A series of classes ranging from Years 8 to 11 were used as target groups for the A Level students to apply their respective campaigns towards.

The students had to use different methods to pass on messages to their young audiences, e.g. leaflets and handouts, PowerPoint presentations, poster displays, videos and audio tapes and mass media. A range of areas were addressed – benefits of hand washing, 5-A-Day, effects of sugar overload, benefits of a warm-up/cool down during exercise, exam stress, importance of a healthy breakfast – to name a few. All of the students involved exhibited outstanding organisation, self-management, creative, leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Those students who were part of the process thoroughly enjoyed the activities organised and benefited from the messages sent out.

Every year it is a pleasure to watch these campaigns flourish from the early stages of planning through to the actual finished project. Well done to all the students and participants involved.