Our school is fundamentally committed to the health, safety and well-being of its members and its substance misuse policy therefore involves support and education.
The purpose of the substance misuse education is to give pupils the knowledge, skills and attitudes to appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and to relate this to their own actions, both at school and in their future lives. It should provide pupils with opportunities to develop their abilities to communicate, assert themselves, make responsible decisions, identify risks and help others, and thereby enhancing their life skills and self-esteem.
In Nursery/Primary, a carefully structured programme involving all students is developed. This broad approach will continue at Secondary level. It is however recognised that older students will also need more detailed information on specific substance misuse and the support systems which are available, as well as clarification of the legal situation in the United Kingdom. Separate documents outline the education programme in more detail for the Nursery/Primary phase.
In Secondary, subjects like Integrated Science, Biology, Religion, Moral and Ethics as well as some Language courses will tackle substance misuse related questions on a regular basis. To supplement these lessons within the normal timetable, the collaboration of outside agencies is required and a varied education programme is in place for Secondary 1-6 from the beginning of this school year 2009/2010.
A Drugs Education Group, consisting of parents, counsellors, teachers and nurses is advising Man-agement on the plans for substance misuse education and on general substance misuse issues. Additionally this group is steadily evaluating the steps taken in order to make sure that the above mentioned goals can be reached on an adequate level.
It is important to stress, that there is not a serious substance misuse problem at our school, and we intend to keep it that way by providing the students with the information and fundamental life skills that will help them resist the misuse of drugs and alcohol, and to make healthy and informed choices throughout their lives.
Should you have any questions or worries, please do not hesitate to contact the school counsellors.
Useful websites on this matter:
www.talktofrank.com
www.nhs.uk/LiveWell
www.evolveoxon.co.uk
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