The school health team visits secondary schools annually to conduct health screening of students. The table below provides information on the types of screening and services provided for secondary school students.
|
Educational Level |
Type of Screening |
|---|---|
|
Secondary 1 |
|
|
Secondary 2 |
|
Details on HPV Immunisation
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a common virus that can infect many parts of the body in both males and females. Certain types of HPV can persist and cause abnormal changes to cervical cells. These abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination can help to protect against specific types of HPV infection that may lead to cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination is recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) for all females aged 9 to 26 because of the cost-effectiveness and significant impact of the vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer. The HPV2 vaccine (Cervarix) selected for the programme protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which account for ~70% of all cervical cancer cases.
Details on Screenings Performed
Hearing Screen
Hearing issues may affect learning. Early detection and correction of hearing issues ensure that your child's learning will not be affected.
The student will be asked to put on headphones and have his/her hearing tested with an audiometer. If the student cannot hear all or some of the sounds, he/she will be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment.
Please refer to the Advisory on the hearing test. The advisory lists signs and symptoms which may suggest that further assessment of your child's hearing is advisable.
Spinal Screening for Curved Spine (Scoliosis)
Scoliosis is a condition where the normally straight spine curves to form an "S" shape or "C" shape. This is a deformity of the spine and should not be confused with poor posture.
During the check-up, your child will be asked to face his/her back to the female nurse before being asked to remove their top. Your child's back will be examined from behind while standing upright and while bending forward so that the nurse can screen for abnormal curvature of the backbone (Forward Bending Test). This screens for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), a condition with no known cause that can worsen during puberty. If further assessment is required, your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre at the Health Promotion Board.
Please access this Scoliosis Information Pamphlet for more information on Curved Spine (Scoliosis).
Height/Weight/BMI Measurements
Your child will have his/her height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements taken. This is to facilitate assessment of his/her growth. Growth charts are used to compare his/her height and BMI^ with those of other children of the same age.
Body Mass Index is calculated using this formula. [Weight (kg)/Height(m) x Height(m)]. After the BMI value is calculated, it is plotted on a BMI-for-age percentile chart. Separate charts are used for boys and girls. The percentile or percentile range shows the relative position of the child’s BMI among children of the same age and gender.
| Percentile | Weight Status (For Boys & Girls aged 6-18years old) |
| ≥97th percentile | Severely overweight |
| 90th to <97th percentile | Overweight |
| 5th to <90th percentile | Acceptable weight |
| 3rd to <5th percentile | Underweight |
| <3rd percentile | Severely underweight |
Selected students who are found to be overweight or severely overweight maybe offered Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor (CVDRF) screening. The screening includes blood pressure measurements and/or relevant blood tests to detect conditions such as abnormal blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and/or blood sugar. Your child will be given a pamphlet with further instructions on visiting our partner laboratories for the blood tests. If required, students may also be enrolled in a Healthy Lifestyle Programme (Virtual Coaching), where a Wellness Coach will provide detailed coaching on nutrition and lifestyle habits.
Developmental (puberty) screening
The student will be asked questions regarding their pubertal status. The age of onset of menstruation (for girls) or the break of voice (for boys) will be asked during the check-up.
Your child will be referred to the Student Health Centre for further assessment if required.
Review of Health Conditions Where Applicable
Any specific conditions detected during previous school health visits will be reviewed in subsequent school health visits as necessary.
Our health services provide provisional findings based on selected basic assessments. If you have any concerns about your child's health, we encourage you to consult with your family doctor or an appropriate specialist.
Revised Oct 2025
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Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board