The adaptability of the health promoting schools concept: a case study from Australia

The adoption of the concept of the health promoting school internationally indicates that it is a timely and flexible concept that can be utilized by different countries to accommodate their particular contexts. Political, economic and socio-cultural factors are powerful forces that shape the construction of health promoting schools globally. How some of these factors operate will be exemplified through a description of the health promoting school movement in Australia with commonalities and variations with activities in member countries of the European Network of Health Promoting Schools highlighted. The unique role globally of the Australian Health Promoting Schools Association, as a non-government organization specifically established to promote the concept of the health promoting school, is described. Its contribution is as a neutral body representing diverse interests that can advocate in different settings and at all levels of influence. Additionally it provides a mechanism for networking, awareness raising and information exchange. The structure of the health and education sectors in Australia has shaped the conceptualization of a health promoting school, one that accommodates the country's specific context. Barriers, facilitating factors and challenges that exist for future work in the area are described.