Abstract:

Key objectives which are currently set for Polish primary schools include all actions connected with shaping pupils’ key competences, especially the linguistic, mathematical and computer ones but also competences in the area of health. This orientation of education towards health and its promotion at the early elementary level, both as far as knowledge, skills and pupils’ attitudes are concerned, is commonly realised in Polish school practice.

The orientation of educational and pedagogical activity in primary schools towards health education results from curricular guidelines drawn up by the Polish Ministry of National Education, where the most stressed issue is the harmonious development of children, taking into consideration their needs, expectations and sometimes the necessity for therapy. On the other hand, the challenges of modern-day civilisation indicate that all people would like to be healthy, fit, and active physically and socially. Therefore, health education realised in schools is particularly important, especially at the level of preschool and early elementary education. It results, to a large degree, from the developmental regularities of children of this age, acquiring certain habits by them and from education for values, including health. It is at the above-mentioned educational stage that teachers can accomplish the most. They pass the knowledge about health to their pupils, they form correct habits, attitudes, lifestyles as well as the quality of life. Despite the fact that it is a long-term process, it requires proper involvement, methods and even patience and cooperation on the part of pupils’ parents.

Having in mind the significance of health education in people’s lives, the authors decided to conduct research whose main objective was to diagnose the practical dimension of providing health education in urban and rural environments in four randomly selected primary schools located in the district of Biała Podlaska, Lublin Province. The parents of children participating in the research gave written consent.

Before starting the research, the following detailed objectives were formulated:
1) What health knowledge do second and third formers have?;
2) What educational activities concerning health did the pupils participate in?;
3) Can primary schools meet children’s expectations relating to health?;
4) Do parents cooperate with teachers when choosing health topics?;
5) To what extent does the living environment affect pupils’ health education?

The research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage eight- and nine-year-old pupils were researched with the method of a diagnostic survey and a questionnaire technique. Overall, the research included 250 people. In the second stage of the study the researchers conducted individual interviews with the teachers who work with the above-mentioned pupils. Having compiled the empirical material, the researchers drew several significant conclusions which were made available to schools and teachers. The research demonstrated that in Polish schools there are still differences in health education, determined by the environment a child lives in. Particularly, pupils from rural areas are in a more difficult economic situation compared to their peers from urban areas and have fewer possibilities in the area of leisure and recreation as well as active participation in activities promoting health.

Keywords:

Pupils, primary school, education, health education, pro-health attitudes, upbringing.