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The concept of health-promoting schools emerges from a global movement that recognizes two key ideas: |
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Healthy children learn better |
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Schools can directly influence the health of students |
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A health-promoting school embraces the view that promoting children's health is a responsibility shared by the school with parents, the health sector and the community. It strives to be a healthy setting for learning and working. |
In partnership with parents and the greater community, schools can provide an ideal setting to enhance both health and learning. |
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A Health promoting school model : |
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Figure adapted from Ottawa charter. |
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| What is a Health Promoting School? |
The concept of Health Promoting Schools began as early as 1950 when WHO (World Health Organisation) came up with the community development model for health action. There are several Health Promoting School models worldwide. |
A health promoting school promotes a broad view of health as part of the role of the school. It is one that constantly strengthens its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working. |
It is important to remember that whatever is happening in the classroom needs to be supported and reflected by what's happening in the wider community. A school is not isolated from its community, Health Promoting Schools emphasises community participation and the concept of the school being an integrated and integral part of the community. |
There is potential for health promotion to be incorporated in all the essential learning areas, either in the way the curriculum and classrooms are managed or in the actual knowledge and skill content of what is being taught. |
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| A health promoting school: |
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Fosters health and learning with all the measures at its disposal; |
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Engages health and education officials, teachers, teachers' unions, students, parents, health providers and community leaders in efforts to make the school a healthy place; |
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Strives to provide a healthy environment, school health education, and school health services along with school/community projects and outreach, health promotion programs for staff, nutrition and food safety programs, opportunities for physical education and recreation, and programs for counselling, social support and mental health promotion; |
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Implements policies and practices that respect an individual's well being and dignity, provide multiple opportunities for success, and acknowledge good efforts and intentions as well as personal achievements; and |
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Strategies: |
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Considering health needs as a key school community issue |
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Providing teachers and students with the skills and knowledge to develop positive attitudes towards health |
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Promoting health and wellbeing through teaching and learning methods |
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Considering the resources needed to promote a healthy school environment |
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Ensuring health and wellbeing is integrated across school subjects |
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