Project Lead(s)
Huw Cripps
ContactA fascinating & important project genuinely linking schools to other schools & the community, with Curriculum for Wales values at its heart
Jeremy Miles ― Minister for Education & Welsh Language
The schools project is an investment to influence long-term behaviour change within younger generations by educating them about cancer, cancer treatment, and the connection to healthy behaviours. The teaching module aligns with the new Curriculum for Wales, brings authentic local context into the classroom and has been accepted as an exemplar under the new Health Wellbeing Area of Learning. The work also explores intergenerational learning, by raising awareness of bowel screening, signs and symptoms of bowel cancer among the wider school community alongside teaching the dedicated education module.
The initial partnership was formed in 2019 with Pontypridd High School who, under the leadership of headteacher Huw Cripps, became the flagship school for this pioneering project. The last 5 years has seen the work spread, with 24 secondary schools incorporating the module in their teaching plans by the end of 2023. To capitalise on this new approach, Central South Consortium (CSC) have created a new operations group that brings together cluster leads and representatives from the local authority and health board. This collaborative group are ensuring the ongoing roll out of the module in their area and are developing a broader health literacy programme using the foundations of the bowel cancer education module.
Under the expertise of Huw Cripps, we are working to embed the bowel cancer education module across schools in Wales and simultaneously encourage models of working that mirror the approach of the CSC. This year sees the module being taught in secondary schools in Pembrokeshire, Bridgend and south Powys, reaching new cohorts of pupils and their communities.
Beyond this work we're delighted to see other schools inspired by the module, finding their own ways to deliver the learning and engage with local communities and health professionals. We believe that the bowel cancer teaching module has a place in every secondary school across the country, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to become healthy, confident, informed citizens.
For more information about the learning programme, its delivery in your area or how to get involved, please contact Huw Cripps on huwcripps5@gmail.com
