Awards

Powys Healthy Schools Award

BWHS was formally awarded Phase 2 of the Healthy Schools Scheme in June 2009.

The following extracts are from a letter of congratulations to Mrs. Shan Davies, from Kate Heneghan the Healthy Schools Officer who visited the school to assess us for the award:

"Feedback from the visit:
The school was welcoming with an informal atmosphere. A wide range of staff and pupils were interviewed and all were found to be positive about the scheme and their schools environment. All interviewed were enthusiastic and evidently proud of their achivements.

Action 1: Physical Activity
The school provides a range of opportunities for pupils to be physically active throughout the school day and beyond. Provision has been enhanced this academic year with the start of the 5x60 club which has been a big success. Pupils now have a wider choice of physical activities to choose from such as canoeing, dance, golf and rugby for girls. The varied programme has reached pupils who may not have taken part in the more traditional sports. The inclusive approach has also attracted staff, parents and some family pets! Reaching out to families in this way is a very positive stap forward and will hopefully not only help promote physical activity but increase the liklihood of sustaining it. Well done.

Action 2: Physical Environment
Extensive building work at the school in recent years has caused much disruption to sports facilities. Completion of the project has witnessed the return of previous facilities as well as some additonal ones such as the very popular designated skateboarding area. Other improvements to the physical environment include extensive planting of bulbs and clearing of old overgrown beds by staff and pupils. Benches and picnic tables have been introduced and are very popular with pupils.

Action 3: Food and Drink
The school has produced a draft "Healthy Lifestyles Policy" which is awaiting approval from Governors. The new canteen not only offers healthier lunches but also has had a positive impact on the ethos of the school. Curriculum work on healthy eating in Design Technology and Science lessons is reinforced in PSE. Regular assemblies on Fair trade and healthy lifestyles further support positive messages to pupils.

Of Note - there are a number of other initiatives/programmes happening at Builth Wells High School that are worthy of note, despite not actually having been planned for this Phase. These include:
The Debating Society
Extensive fundraising for charity
"An Audience with........"
Fair trade tuck shop run by pupils
New website
Peer mentoring
School Council

Summary
A clear commitment to the "Healthy School" ethos is evident. The school was considered by the assessor to show a good understanding of what is meant by being a Healthy School. A high quality of health promoting practice was demonstrated. A happy, healthy, vibrant school community was witnessed. You should be proud of your achievements and celebrate achieving success in Phase 2. Many congratulations."