Programmes for Primary Schools
At HPB, we encourage schools to establish a culture that promotes healthy living. Here are some programmes your school can adopt to empower students, staff and parents in supporting this culture.
Creating a supportive environment
We have a variety of programmes that help students learn about nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse and mental health.
For Students
Healthy Meals in Schools Programme
Objective: Increase students’ access to healthy food in schools and encourage them to adopt healthy eating behaviours/habits.
Target audience: All students, staff and canteen vendors
Programme details:
All schools will be provided the criteria and guidelines on providing healthier food and beverage choices in schools.
Find out more about Healthy Meals in Schools Programme here.
Active Youth Programme
Objective: Increase physical activity participation among students through regular contemporary workout sessions.
Target audience: All students
Programme details:
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Schools can choose between a progressive or exposure package.
- Progressive package: enable students to learn a skill and gain confidence in sports through regular sessions with increased intensity.
- Exposure package: enable students to try different activities & learn new skills. Intensity remains at beginner level for all sessions.
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Each student is required to attend a minimum of 12 1-hour sessions.
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A minimum of 25 students are required for each session.
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Logistics support required from schools: portable sound system with microphone, music player, first aid kit and raised platform/stage (preferably indoor venue in case of rain).
Format: In-person or virtual
Next Steps - P6 Transition Programme
Objective: To educate students with skills including how to cope, manage stress and social challenges, and achieve self confidence as they go through Primary school to Secondary school transition.
Target audience: Primary 6 students
Programme details:
A 2-hour workshop with interactive activities that help students cope with common concerns associated with transiting to secondary school, such as:
- Recognise that change is not always fearful and it can be fun and exciting
- Manage stress and emotions positively in their new environment
- Build and maintain healthy habits (i.e. physical and mental) which are useful in helping one cope with transitions
- Gain more self-confidence when they enter secondary school
- Find and build support with new friends
Format: In-person or virtual
Stay Strong, Say NO! - Assembly Skit
Objective: To enhance students' assertiveness, communication, and ability to respond to problem situations such as refusing tobacco and improve their identification with positive roles and healthy living.
Target audience: Primary 4 to 6 students
Programme details:
A 30-minute interactive assembly skit to raise awareness on:
- The negative consequences of tobacco use.
- The misconceptions about tobacco such as "smoking/vaping relieves stress“.
- Promoting tobacco-free norms.
Format: In-person or virtual
STRENGTHS - Smoking Cessation Programme
Objective: To help youths draw on their strengths to take control, and channel their attention away from smoking and other risky behaviours by engaging in healthy activities.
Target audience:Youth smokers in schools
Programme details:
This programme focuses on youths’ strengths in order to drive change, while enabling them to kick the habit and learn positive coping strategies.
Each 1-hour session comprises a group of 5-12 students. A whole run consists of 5 sessions, to be completed within 4 months.
Alternatively, counselling support to youths is also provided via HPB’s QuitLine (Tel: 1800 438 2000).
Format: In-person or virtual
Youth Preventive Health and Dental Services
Objective: To conduct annual health screening, immunisation and dental services for primary school students, to ensure the protection of the students’ health and early detection of health issues.
Target audience: Primary 1 to 6 students
Programme details:
Health Promotion Board (HPB) Youth Preventive Health and Dental Services conducts annual health screening, immunisation and dental services for your students. Types of health screening include vision and hearing screening, growth and development assessment, medical check-up, and more.
Find out more on the types of health screening here, and the types of dental services provided here.
Format: In-person
“Myopia Awareness Talk” by Plano
Objective: Educate children to better understand the importance of protecting their eyes and cultivating them with good eye care habits starting from an early age.
Target audience: Primary 1 to 6 students
Programme details:
A 30-minute storytelling session where students will learn about the eye & good eye care tips. Topics include:
- Learn about the different functions of the eye
- What is myopia?
- Causes of myopia
- Importance of eye health
- Good eye care habits
Format: In-person or virtual
“I’m a Health & Wellness Champion!” supported by Nestlé MILO®
Objectives: Educate students on making healthier eating choices, the importance of regular physical activity and the benefits of having an active lifestyle with a balanced diet plan.
Target audience: Primary 1 to 6 students
Programme details:
A 30 to 45 mins programme that consists of a skit and mass workout assembly session. Students will learn tips on active exercise, and important eating, sleeping and lifestyle habits through hands on learning. Students are also encouraged to pledge to lead and share a healthier lifestyle with their friends and families.
Format: Format: In-person or virtual
These programmes aim to help students whose health are at risk due to poor weight management or addictions. Students are empowered to make lifestyle modifications and develop healthy coping habits.
Student Health Advisor (Lifestyle Coach) Programme
Objectives: Facilitate the timely detection and management of high-risk behaviors (smoking/vaping) and health related issues (obesity and chronic conditions).
Target audience: Students requiring support on weight management and smoking/vaping cessation programmes in schools.
Programme details:
- Schools on this programme are identified by the Ministry of Education. Under this programme, healthcare professionals are stationed in schools to provide convenience for students seeking health-related advices.
- Through individual / group health counselling sessions conducted at schools, lifestyle coaches (student health advisor) provide guidance for students with health related issues.
- Where necessary, timely interventions and follow ups are provided.
Format: Format: In-person or virtual / tele-counselling
For Educators
Health CHAMPS Workplace Health Promotion Programme for Staff
Objective: Improve the health and wellbeing of employees in schools and build a health promoting workplace.
Rationale: A sustained and effective workplace health programme improves the overall health and wellbeing of employees. This contributes to a positive workplace environment and productive workforce.
Target audience: All staff
Programme details:
- Engaging workshops that help your staff improve their wellbeing during contact time or staff engagement days.
- Your staff will learn to use tools such as online health coaching and health-related applications to track their personal health.
- Selected members of your staff will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources to champion workplace health activities among the rest of the staff.
Format: In-person or virtual
For Parents
Colours of the Mind
Objective: Equip parents or caregivers with tips to help their child cope with challenges and enhance their mental health and well-being.
Target audience: Parents or caregivers with children 7 to 12 years old
Programme details:
A virtual workshop where parents or caregivers will learn to:
- Establish better communications with your child.
- Build your child’s social intelligence.
- Build your child’s emotional intelligence and more!
Find out more here.
Format: Virtual
Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL)
Objective: To equip parents or caregivers with the knowledge to help their child form healthy eating habits from young.
Target audience: Parents or caregivers with children 7 to 12 years old
Programme details:
A virtual workshop where parents/caregivers will learn:
- How do I get my child to try different foods?
- When eating out, how do I choose healthier options for my child?
- How do I make smart food choices during meal planning?
- How can I stay active with my child?
Format: Virtual
Active Family in the Community
Objective: Provide a range of fun-filled activities, team sports and games to promote bonding for both parent and child (6-12 years old).
Target audience: 6 to 12 years old and their parents or caregivers
Programme details:
The Active Family series are available every weekend and conveniently located across the island for the whole family to get moving and make precious memories together.
Find out more and register your interest here.
Storytelling Eye Education (See) Talk with Plano
Objective: Learn about the importance of protecting your child’s eyes and keeping their vision strong from an early age.
Target audience: Parents and children aged 4 to 12 years old
Programme details:
A virtual talk on the importance of protecting your child’s eyes. It includes an exciting story-telling session to educate and engage your child!
Format: Virtual
Parent Hub
Visit the Parent Hub, a one-stop resource portal developed by HPB, to find health information related to your child’s age and development.
You can learn the ins and outs of raising a healthier child, including resources and articles on nutrition, mental well-being and physical activity.
Contact Details
Contact schools@hpb.gov.sg for further enquiries or to register your interest in the programmes listed above.