Many different things combine to create a health promoting school including the ethos, school meals, the school grounds and building, pupil participation, support for pupils and teachers and good relationships.
Throughout the website you will find games and fact files relating to the varied aspects that create a health promoting school.
A health promoting school
- Promotes the physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional health and well-being of all pupils and staff.
- Has an environment of care and respect.
- Supports all staff and pupils.
- Promotes relationships and a sense of belonging.
- Values the opinion of pupils.
- Provides opportunities for pupils to take part in decision making.
- Has facilities for leisure and recreation.
- Provides healthy lifestyle choices for pupils.
- Delivers good personal, social and health education programmes.
- Properly maintains buildings and school grounds.
- Helps all pupils and staff to achieve their very best.
- Works closely in partnership with parents and families.
Your role in a health promoting school
Think about your own health:
- what changes you can make to improve your lifestyle
- eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- exercise regularly
- take the stairs instead of the lift or escalator
- walk or cycle to school if it is safe to do so
- think about the risks to your health particularly in relation to sexual health, relationships, alcohol, drugs and smoking
- if you are under pressure at school find someone to talk to about it.
Think about making a positive contribution to the school ethos by:
- treating everyone at school with care and respect
- looking after the school building and grounds
- sharing ideas to improve your school environment with staff and other pupils
- encourage your parent or carer to become involved in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), school board or other school activities
- set yourself high targets and try your best to achieve them.
Think about how you could play a part in changing things at school by taking part in:
- the pupil council
- safe and active routes to school
- the pupil forum
- peer mentoring
- homework club
- school nutrition action group
- sports clubs.
