The ethos of a health promoting school is very important and you have a big part to play in it.
What does ethos mean?
Ethos is the overall feeling and nature of a school. So in a health promoting school:
- there is a welcoming atmosphere when you enter
- everyone is cared for and valued
- everyone is treated with respect and fairness and shows concern and understanding for each other
- parents and visitors are very welcome and are encouraged to be involved in the life of the school
- the school and community work closely together
- everyone has the opportunity to do their best and build on their achievements
- lots of photographs and examples of children's work are on display
- the school grounds are tidy and litter free
- there is an effective security system.
How does ethos help?
In a school with a good ethos pupils:
- feel safe and secure
- know how to keep safe within the school
- feel proud of the school and its achievements
- feel involved in promoting health
- have their views listened to and valued
- have the chance to represent the views of others, for example on the pupil council
- are involved in making school and class rules
- respect each other's work, play space and belongings
- are polite, kind, thoughtful and responsible
- have lots of opportunities to do well and know their effort is recognised
- share good work and good ideas with each other
- have many chances to celebrate success in the class and at assemblies
- are tolerant and set a good example to others
- share and cooperate with each other in their classes
- help younger pupils learn, be friends with one another and play safely
- make an effort to do well and to behave well
- tell staff if anyone is unhappy, upset or being bullied
- know difficult or bad behaviour will be dealt with properly
- try to have a healthy lifestyle
- understand that improving your health helps you to do better at school and in other things you do
- feel good about themselves and enjoy being part of the school.
