What is the ‘High 5’ programme?
‘High 5’ is a school-based health & wellbeing programme, developed specifically in and for Highland and Argyll & Bute primary schools. The sessions deliver key outcomes and experiences for health & wellbeing. Specifically, the focus is on food & health and physical activity. It brings together the expertise of health promotion specialists and the skills of teachers. It has been cited nationally as an example of good practice. It can act as a catalyst for cultural change within the school that lasts well beyond the programme itself.
Who delivers the programme and for how long?
High 5 is delivered by the teacher to the whole class over a minimum of eight sessions. You can exceed this number if you wish. These sessions should be delivered over at least a six week period. This means that you can teach more than one session per week if you prefer.
I’ve heard that the High 5 programme means that pupils need to be weighed and measured. Is this true?
This used to be the case as it was a Scottish Government requirement. However, because Highland schools taking part in the early days of the High 5 programme were able to provide us with heights and weights, we were successful at persuading the Scottish Government that High 5 naturally includes a sufficient number of children that they classified as “overweight” or “obese”. This means that schools currently planning to deliver High 5, are not asked to weigh or measure children. In contrast, pupils learn health gain is achievable and enjoyable, irrespective of body size.
Are there lesson plans already developed?
Several lesson plans have been developed by health improvement specialists. However, teachers many wish to adapt the lesson plans or combine with their own ideas. For older pupils (P4 to P7), the content of the lesson is quite important. For younger pupils (P1 to P3), there is less of a need for Health Improvement Specialists to provide such a strong input on content. Some of the guiding principles will still be relevant though.
How do we know the lesson plans are any good?
These plans were originally tested and evaluated by six pilot schools, and subsequently by 10’s of early adopters, prior to roll out across the region. We are confident that they will deliver the necessary outcomes and experiences. They have been designed to influence knowledge, skills and attitudes and as such, have a real prospect of delivering the behaviour changes necessary to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
What do the lesson plans cover?
The lesson plans cover:
- Learning about key foods and nutrients
- Choosing a balanced meal
- Critical consumer skills
- Physical activity
- Body confidence for all
These lessons plans have been developed to change what pupils know about food, and how they feel about it. Each ‘Lesson plan’ gives enough material for one to three lessons depending on how it is delivered.
What are the guiding principles?
If teachers are using the drafted lesson plans, the principles are adhered to within these. However, some teachers will prefer to use some of their own ideas instead of, or as well as, some of the lesson plans already written. If so, the guiding principles should still be followed.
What about parental involvement?
The involvement and support of parents and carers in the programme is important. Often this can be achieved by ensuring appropriate homework activities. However, pupils in P1 to P3 often have relatively little say in the food choices and physical activity opportunities that are available to them. It is important that school aim to involve parents in the programme in a meaningful way. This could involve an activity a parents evening for example.
Is further guidance available?
Any further information please contact SSH5@nullcalachildcare.co.uk or call 01463 703 401
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