LIFE SKILLS DEPARTMENT

Life Skills is a skills-based programme which is taught to every student for one period per week.  The Life Skills department aims to give all students at G.H.H.S. the knowledge and skills they need to become and remain healthy, not only physically but socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually as well, and the opportunity to practice and demonstrate these skills.  We also give the students every opportunity and encouragement to show that they are responsible, self-disciplined, self-motivated and productive members of society.

Physical Health

Includes:  alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs prevention education, human sexuality... (human growth and development, puberty, STDs, AIDS and sexual abuse, planned parenthood and abstinence), nutrition, the importance of daily exercise, hygiene, dental health, and safety and first aid.

Social Health

Includes:  service-learning, coping with peer pressure, improving peer relationships and strengthening family relationships.

Emotional Health

Includes:  managing emotions in positive ways, building self-confidence and communication skills, anger management and conflict resolution, and understanding the emotional changes during puberty.

Mental Health

Includes:  setting healthy and manageable life goals, dealing with stress, study skills.

Spiritual Health

Central to good health is our spiritual well-being.  In the Cayman Islands this is generally defined as having a foundation of Christian faith.  The Life Skills programme is underpinned by the traditional values of Christian teaching.

• The Life Skills map/themes and areas covered are:

• Entering the Teen Years, the Challenge Ahead (years 7 & 8)

• Building Self-Confidence and Communications Skills (Years 7 & 8)

• Managing Emotions in Positive Ways--Anger Management (Years 7 & 8)

• Building Friendships--Improving Peer Relationships--Dealing with Peer Pressure (Years 7 & 8)

• Strengthening Family Relationships (Year 8)

• Being Alcohol/Tobacco and Drug Free (Years 7, 8 & 9)

• Learning Through Being of Service to Others (Years 7 & 9)

• Human Growth and Development--Personal Hygiene--Sex Abuse (Years 7, 8 & 9)

• STD and AIDS Education (Years 7, 8 &9)

• Exercise as a Way of Life (Years 7 & 9)

• Nutrition--Eating Well to Stay Healthy (Years 7 & 8)

• Oral Hygiene--the Connection to Good Nutrition (Years 7 & 9)

• Safety and First Aid (Years 8 & 9)

• Study Skills (Years 8 & 9)

• The Health Triangle--How it All Fits Together (Year 9)

• Setting Goals for Healthy Living--Goals for the Future (Year 9)