12 July 2012
Bedwas High School has become the first secondary school in Caerphilly county borough to achieve the Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Scheme National Quality Award.
It is one of only 19 schools throughout Wales to achieve this prestigious award, and only the third secondary school in Wales.
The national assessor stated that "the policies embedded throughout the school are exemplary, and that Bedwas High truly promotes health in all senses. It was a privilege to visit the school and see all the wonderful initiatives in place."
Pupil welfare and well-being is central to all that takes place at Bedwas, and many aspects of the care, support and guidance of students are highlighted as outstanding features within the most recent Estyn inspection.
All staff, governors and pupils are extremely knowledgeable of the Healthy Schools Scheme. Additionally, the wide range of external agencies supporting the school has ensured that Healthy Schools is very much a whole school approach.
The Healthy Schools Scheme aims to tackle all areas of health and well-being including food and fitness, mental and emotional health and well-being, environmental issues and global citizenship, personal development and relationships, safety and hygiene.
It also actively encourages pupil participation in all aspects of school life. In order to achieve the National Quality Award a school must demonstrate excellence in all these areas.
Sue Rivers, Deputy Head Teacher who has co-ordinated the scheme since the start was very pleased to achieve the award adding, "This award reflects the high priority we place on caring and healthy lifestyles. We have worked successfully through the many phases of the Healthy Schools Scheme since our former Head Teacher Mrs Cook introduced the pilot scheme in Bedwas High in 2000. It has been a challenging yet very productive journey in that all initiatives have been for the benefit of the school and local community. Partnership working has been crucial to the success of this award and we are grateful to all the local and national agencies that have supported Bedwas High School to become a health promoting school."
Bedwas High have been involved in the scheme since 2000, during which staff, governors, pupils and parents have seen many positive changes in the provision of an Appetite for Life compliant menu provided by Caerphilly Catering, an excellent care support and guidance provision for pupils and staff, the enhanced safety of pupils with regard to transport and access to the site, as well as an innovative PSE programme.
Cllr. Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning congratulated the school, "This is a fantastic achievement. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved."
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