As we all return to the classroom after a much-needed break, you might be looking for some ways to hook your students back into study mode. Here are some health news stories that broke over the summer you can use to spark discussion and engagement.

Children to be offered chickenpox vaccine on the NHS

From January 2026, all children in England and Wales will be offered a chickenpox vaccine. It will be given as two doses, at 12 and 18 months of age, combined with the existing MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

Which student groups is this relevant for?

• AAQ BTEC National Health & Social Care (Unit 1, Unit 4, Unit 7)
• NCFE T Level Health (Core A & Core B)

Suggested ways to use this news item

• Read and summarise: Students read the article and draw out three key points or takeaways.
• Discuss: Why is vaccine hesitancy increasing?
• Social media post: Students create a script or video for a TikTok post or Instagram reel, promoting the benefits of vaccinations for public health.

'I need a hug' - Singer Jessie J says she has breast cancer

In June Jessie J shared with fans that she had a diagnosis of early breast cancer and she subsequently underwent mastectomy surgery.

Which student groups is this relevant for?

• AAQ BTEC National Health & Social Care (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 4)
• NCFE T Level Health (Core A & Core B)

Suggested ways to use this news item

• Read and summarise: Students read the article and draw out three key points or takeaways.
• Discuss: How important is it that celebrities share their health news?
• Social media post: Students create a script or video for a TikTok post or Instagram reel, promoting the benefits of cancer screening programmes.
• Investigate (AAQ BTEC students): What are the factors that increase an individual’s risk of breast cancer?
• Investigate (NCFE T Level Health students): What are the available treatment options for breast cancer?

Older adults who follow healthy diets accumulate chronic diseases more slowly – new study

Recent research carried out in Sweden found that older adults who consistently ate a healthy diet developed chronic diseases, such as heart failure, stroke, depression and dementia, at a much slower rate compared to those with diets high in processed meat, refined grains and sugary drinks.

Which student groups is this relevant for?

• BTEC Tech Award Health & Social Care (Component 1, Component 3)
• AAQ BTEC National Health & Social Care (Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5)
• NCFE T Level Health (Core A & Core B)

Suggested ways to use this news item

• Read and summarise: Students read the article and draw out three key points or takeaways.
• Discuss: How can we encourage individuals to eat healthier diets? Think about the role of education, healthcare, retailers, government.
• Social media post: Students create a script or video for a TikTok post or Instagram reel, promoting the benefits of healthy eating.
• Investigate (BTEC Tech Award students): What chronic diseases are associated with a poor diet? How is diet linked to each disease?
• Investigate (AAQ BTEC students): What healthcare professionals can support individuals to improve their diet? How do they do this?
• Investigate (NCFE T Level Health students): What is the relationship between dietary factors and coronary heart disease (CHD)? Does diet modification have a role in the management and treatment of CHD?

If you are looking for more help to get started this term, check out:

Induction Activities for Health/Health & Social Care

Taster Day Activities for Health/Health & Social Care

AAQ BTEC National Lessons