Case studies

When we visit schools we are keen to encourage the sharing of healthy schools activity. We would like you to share work that you are doing, are proud of, or think others would be interested in.

If you have stories, studies or practice taking place in your school that you would like to share, contact us. 

Vaping and smoking

In 2025, Holy Rood Catholic Primary School used the Mini-Police smoking and vaping resources developed by Swindon Borough Council to reach 58 pupils across two classes in Year 5, which includes perceptions data to highlight that less pupils vape than children would expect.

Liz Galvin, Pastoral Lead and DDSL explains,

“They engaged really well and knew a little bit about smoking due to a previous lesson but did not know in depth facts about health implications.

Many children thought vaping was as bad as smoking and were surprised at the figures to do with how many young people actually did vape.

We also touched upon contaminated vapes and they were not aware of this... One child also mentioned about seeing 'influencers' promoting vapes.

Some raised the point that the vapes are attractive to children in the packaging and flavours so if they were not aware what they were and were offered them, they might think they were sweets.

Thank you so much for the resource, I will be using it again if that is ok."

For further information and guidance on using these resources, please contact Mike McEwan, Public Health Practitioner: MMcEwan@swindon.gov.uk

An Affordable School

St.Joseph's Catholic College has put a lot of work into making sure that their school day is affordable for all pupils. View their presentation from 2024 here. 

Growth Mindset Day

In October 2024. Dorcan Academy proudly hosted their first Growth Mindset Day, an exciting opportunity for their pupils to broaden their horizons, engage in new experiences, and further develop their character. For Year 7, the focus was on the vibrant world of carnivals. Students immersed themselves in everything carnival-related, from energetic Samba dancing to the creative art of mask-making, embracing this theme’s joy and cultural richness. Year 8 students were challenged to demonstrate resilience through a variety of team-building activities. These exercises tested their ability to work together, overcome obstacles, and support one another, fostering a strong sense of community and determination. Year 9 students participated in alternative sports activities and had the opportunity to learn sign language, broadening their skills and experiences. Meanwhile, Year 10 Geography pupils embarked on their fieldwork in Bristol, applying their classroom knowledge to real-world settings, and enhancing their geographical skills through hands-on experience. Year 11 Historians had the invaluable opportunity to visit Hampton Court Palace, where they explored the rich history of Elizabethan England, bringing their studies to life and deepening their understanding of this pivotal period.

Images: Year 7 carnival themed sessions at Dorcan Academy as part of their Growth Mindset Day.

Compassionate Approach to Healthy Weight

Drove Academy provided us with the following case study in 2024 that outlines their compassionate approach to healthy weight in schools. Does your school have a case study to share? Drove Primary Case Study January 2024