The Health Promoting School in Australia: A review

Abstract

The concept of the Health Promoting School (HPS) has developed considerably over the last ten years. In Australia the concept has held a great attraction for many professionals in the areas of health promotion, public health, health and environmental education and community health as an alternative to traditional and largely ineffective school health education. This paper briefly outlines many of the projects, resources and activities which have supported the HPS movement in Australia. The concept has been adopted differently by different countries. In Australia the concept, which has developed within a complex context, has been underpinned by three principles: understanding diversity, social justice and creating supportive environments. The final section of the paper describes a case study school which has formalised the concept as part of the fabric of their day-to-day activities.

Key words:

• policy
• health promoting schools
• school charter