Dear Parent / Carer.
At Cathays High School, we make every effort to ensure your child has the opportunity to take part in different learning experiences, both in and out of the classroom. This is often achieved by working in partnership with different people and organisations, all of whom are able to help us broaden the knowledge and understanding of your child.
As a part of our curriculum provision in Year 8, we are working in partnership with colleagues from Public Health Wales and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. The purpose of this joint work is to ensure we plan and deliver learning experiences which are informed by important health concerns in our school and local community. In addition, by working together we can be sure that the learning is based on all of the correct facts and information available.
One such health issue which is currently a significant concern for all of us working in the education and health sectors is the number of children using ‘vaping devices’. Whilst the evidence says that most children in Wales do not vape it also confirms that the number of children using them is increasing each year. I am sure you will appreciate that it is important that we inform your child of the many health concerns about using or possible using vaping devices.
A number of long-term studies have shown that young people who have never smoked but who use vaping devices are more likely to start tobacco smoking and become regular smokers than those who have not used vapes. There is also emerging evidence that also suggests young people who vape are at an increased risk of addiction to other substances in the future. Additionally, we know that illicit vaping devices and products could pose additional health risks to individuals who are under the age of 18.
The work in school will be undertaken this summer term using learning resources that have been produced by colleagues in Public Health Wales.
We would also like parents and carers to complete a survey around the ‘vaping devices’ as this can contribute to the learning experiences that we plan and deliver. This survey can be accessed through the link below. Please complete it by 5th July.
https://forms.office.com/e/XQgusqURAc
Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
Miss C Merriott
Area Leader Health and Wellbeing