The Health Promoting Schools framework

The Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework encourages a whole school approach to health promotion by involving the school community in developing a coordinated and integrated approach to the health and well-being of all school community members. The framework can be used by schools to plan a holistic approach to sexuality education.

The framework can facilitate a whole school commitment to improving and protecting the health and well-being of the school community based on the following principles:

• schools shape the lives of the students who go there
• community involvement enhances the learning environment
• physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well-being impacts on what people can achieve and how people develop in their lives
• schools are more than just classrooms and lessons, and there are other components that contribute to positive learning experiences for students

The HPS framework targets the physical, emotional and social needs of the whole school community. It identifies three main components within the school community which interconnect and have a direct influence on each other. These components are addressed when planning and implementing school activities, programs and policies to influence the health and well-being of school community members. By addressing each component of the framework when planning health promotion, or responding to a health concern/issue within the school community, school communities can take a coordinated, comprehensive approach to health promotion which addresses the multiple facets influencing the health and well-being of members of the school community.

Curriculum, teaching and learning:

• describes planned teaching and learning, with a focus on what is taught and how it is taught and learnt
• teachers promote health and well-being through their teaching style and methods, involving students and the community, working collaboratively across KLAs, teaching inclusively and making use of links within the school community

School organisation, ethos and environment:

• the social and physical environments of a school
• is framed by the policies, procedures and practices within a school community

Partnerships and services:

• describes the connections made with the wider community
• recognises the role of the family and the benefits of family and student involvement
• by developing relationships with outside organisations, student outcomes can be improved with access to resources, information and other services

Adapted from Queensland Health & Education Queensland. (2006). What is a Health Promoting School. Retrieved on 22 January, 2009 from www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/Documents/saphs/27008.pdf