Highland schools set to deliver COVID themed education package to primary children

A brand new COVID-19 education toolkit aimed at primary school pupils is aiming to turn Highland’s pupils into community superheroes.

The Build Back Better resource pack is being issued to every school in Highland today (15 December 2020) and will provide educators with a fun and interactive way to teach children about coronavirus and the actions they can take to keep themselves and others safe.

This innovative new resource includes seven specially designed worksheets which focus on the following themes: making a model of a coronavirus; why should we wear a face covering; how to wear a face covering correctly; how soap works; how does social distancing help; how does a virus travel and handwashing with paint.

The bespoke toolkit has been jointly funded by The Highland Council and the Science Skills Academy – a City Region Deal funded project – and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. It is hoped that the toolkit can be rolled out across Scotland next.

The idea for the toolkit was developed following discussion on children’s wellbeing during the COVID pandemic which was raised by Highland Councillor Muriel Cockburn.

Cllr Cockburn said: “I am so proud to have been given the access to the teachers and the Quality Improvement Team. They listened intently to my ideas and they had the skill set to get this wonderful package together in a short space of time.

“This was an idea that has developed into something quite spectacular. I was initially looking into ways we could improve children’s wellbeing and following discussion with the team we developed the Build Back Better toolkit.

“The toolkit was put together by the Science Skills Academy and they have done an excellent job. I am so proud to finally launch Build Back Better today.”

She added: “Although this launch is initially in Highland, I hope we can get this rolled out across Scotland.”

Executive Chief Officer for Education & Learning, Nicky Grant, said: “This is an excellent resource for teachers and one we hope will be as successful as it has been at some of the pilot schools we have tested it at, such as Dunbeath, Rosehall and Strathpeffer Primary.

“The children are given the opportunity to learn about the virus, how they can help keep themselves, classmates and their loved ones safer. They can be proud to be responsible citizens and set an example for everyone to follow.”

The education package focuses on the importance of social distancing, handwashing and wearing face coverings, but goes into detail about why these things are so important during the pandemic.

Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “This is an extremely innovative way of teaching children about their social responsibilities at a very young age.

“They will enjoy the fun involved in doing the tasks, but will also be learning some very important messages at the same time. Highland’s children really can become community superheroes with the Build Back Better package.”

A special video has been made to highlight the toolkit and show some of the pilot schools enjoying their first look at a programme that is now being made available everywhere in Highland.

15 Dec 2020