On Wednesday 2nd April, ROC launched Phase 1 of Health Hacks at Bournville All-Through School, delivering an interactive and educational workshop to Year 4 and Year 5 students. The workshop was designed to educate pupils about their bodies, encourage healthier lifestyles and promote musculoskeletal (MSK) injury prevention.
The morning began with a session led by physiotherapists, who introduced students to the roles of bones and muscles in the body. Through a series of interactive games, children explored how their bodies move and respond to different challenges. Activities included a tap the light reaction game to test coordination and speed, balance drills where students stood on one leg while reaching for cones and a balloon throw challenge combining balance and movement to develop control and stability. These activities helped students understand the importance of physical activity in maintaining strong muscles and joints while keeping them engaged and excited to learn. The session also focused on general well-being, where children learnt about the importance of diet, sleep and exercise. They discovered how factors like healthy foods, regular movement and good rest contribute to overall health, helping them understand how to take care of their bodies.
The next session, led by Trauma and Orthopaedic Doctors, focused on the skeletal system and common injuries. Students had the opportunity to examine real X-rays, identifying different bones and spotting fractures. They also took part in a hands-on activity where they applied wool and crepe bandages to themselves and their classmates, mimicking the process of casting broken bones.
One pupil said, “I definitely want to be a doctor when I’m older.”
These activities sparked a lively Q&A, where students asked questions about health, injuries and anatomy.
To conclude the workshop, students were given a community task, which is Phase 2 of Health Hacks. Their mission is to take the knowledge they’ve gained and share it with their families, friends or carers, creating a plan to incorporate these healthy habits into their daily routines over the next four weeks.
In two weeks time, ROC will revisit the school to check in with the students to see how they’ve applied their learning at home. Then, on 1st May, they will move into Phase 3 with a visit to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. During the visit, students will experience a day in the life of various healthcare professionals, gaining insight into their roles. They will also have the chance to present their experiences and findings from the community challenge and finish with an exciting tour of the hospital.
ROC | Royal Orthopaedic Charity
Bristol Road South
Northfield
Birmingham
B31 2AP
Registered Charity Number: 1078046
Call: 0121 6854379
Email: roc@nhs.net
