‘a health promoting school can be characterised as a school
which is constantly strengthening its capacity as a healthy
place in which to live, learn and work.’
(WHO, 1997)
Principles of a Health Promoting School
The principles of a health promoting school are similar to the principles of health promotion as outlined in the Ottawa Charter (1996). The components of a HPS reflect these principles and include:
- Promoting the health and well-being of pupils
- Enhancing the learning outcomes of pupils
- Upholding social justice and equity
- Providing a safe and supportive environment
- Involving pupil participation and empowerment
- Linking health and education issues and systems
- Addressing the health and well-being issues of school staff
- Collaborating with parents/guardians and the wider community
- Integrating health into the schools’ ongoing activities, curriculum and assessment standards
- Setting realistic goals built on accurate data and sound evidence
- Seeking continuous improvement through ongoing monitoring and evaluation