An innovative approach to health education in the primary school setting : a local perspective

Abstract

The main aim of this dissertation was to discover what innovative approaches Year 6 teachers and PE teachers make use in order to promote health education in the Primary Schools in Malta. Four schools from different institutions within the educational system, including church, state and independent schools, participated in this study. In order to answer the research questions, eight semi structured faceto- face interviews were carried out. Four interviews were aimed towards the Year 6 teachers, and four others targeted towards the PE teachers. At the end of the research I became aware that the teachers tried to incorporate Health Education throughout different subjects in order to motivate the children towards holistic education. Health awareness and health promotion messages through media, from the school to children’s homes, has been a prominent tool. Teachers believe that it is with the parents’ and guardians’ help that children can develop a strong backbone in Health Literacy and Health Education. As a result of this, children will be in a better position to achieve a healthy and well-balanced life to better themselves and develop a positive, healthy wellbeing.