The new curriculum
The Curriculum for Excellence presents a fantastic opportunity for all those involved in the Massage in Schools programme.
It involves working with children to develop the skills they need to learn, and is concerned with the totality of experiences to make up a flexible curriculum for children and young people aged 3 to 18.
Values
The values underpinning it are wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity.
Four capacities
The 4 capacities it will develop are:
- Successful Learners
- Responsible citizens
- Confident individuals
- Effective contributors
Health and wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing is an important part of this curriculum and here are some of the links between the principles and practice and experiences and outcomes and the Massage in Schools programme. For more details please check out www.curriculumforexcellencescotland.gov.uk
Health and Wellbeing: Principles and practice
The Health and Wellbeing framework takes a holistic approach to promoting health. It states that “children and young people should feel happy, safe, respected and included in the school environment and all staff should be proactive in promoting positive behaviour in the classroom, playground and the wider school community.”
It also recognises that “learning through health and wellbeing promotes confidence, independent thinking and positive attitudes and dispositions”.
Another factor in common with MISP is that it advises that all aspects of health and wellbeing should be part of a whole school strategy, to make sure that they have sustained impact.
Health and Wellbeing: Experiences and outcomes
The first outcome listed is that children will develop “self-awareness, self-worth and respect for others”.
It then states that “the mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing of everyone within a learning community should be positively developed by fostering a safe, caring, supportive, purposeful environment that enables the development of relationships based on mutual respect”.
With such direct links between this and the philosophy and approach of the MISP, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a great opportunity to take the programme further forward in Scotland.
| Outcome statement | Curriculum area | Activities |
| I am aware of and able to express my feelings and am developing the ability to talk about them. HWB 0-01a*. Responsibility of all | Mental and emotional wellbeing | Discussion on likes and dislikes within the massage in relation to giving and receiving massage |
| I know that friendship, caring, sharing, fairness, equality and love are important in building positive relationships. As I develop and value relationships, I care and show respect for myself and others. HWB 0-05a* Responsibility of all | Mental and emotional wellbeing | The ethos of the programme promotes relationship building and increases friendships. It encourages children to consider others as well as themselves. Massage activity promotes a caring approach and underpinning the whole programme is the principle of respect. |
| I understand that people can feel alone and can be misunderstood and left out by others. I am learning how to give appropriate support. HWB 0-08a* Responsibility of all | Mental and emotional wellbeing | All children can participate, ensuring the activity is inclusive. By working in pairs and encouraging children to swap partners, they can develop relationships and offer support to others |
| As I explore the rights to which I and others are entitled, I am able to exercise these rights appropriately and accept the responsibilities that go with them. I show respect for the rights of others. HWB 0-9a*Responsibility of all | Social wellbeing | Respect is a key principle of the programme, both self-respect and respect for others.Asking permission to do massage, respecting the rights of people to say “yes or no” and considering the feelings of others when there is discussion over likes and dislikes relating to the massage itself. |
| I recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs. I contribute to making my school community one which values individuals equally and is a welcoming place for all.HWB 0-10a* Responsibility of all | Social wellbeing | The programme is inclusive, everyone can participate. It values the contribution that everyone can make and provides opportunities for showing/developing new skills.It promotes consideration for others and working in a nurturing way with peers, builds relationships/friendships. |
| I value the opportunities I am given to make friends and be part of a group in a range of situations. HWB 0-14a* Responsibility of all | Social wellbeing | All children can participate, ensuring the activity is inclusive. By working in pairs and encouraging children to swap partners, they can develop relationships and offer support to others |