This avenue can cover the spectrum of health, psychological and social services which students may need to have available and accessible in order to maximize their educational experience. This can range from early identification of learning disabilities, to treatment for drug related problems to reintegration after a serious illness. These Four Avenues are interconnected, as shown by the diagram. This means, for example, that the psychosocial and physical environments affect personal health practices and coping skills and these in turn affect the ability of students to look after themselves, learn effectively and contribute to the school community. So, a comprehensive school health promotion strategy addresses all four avenues simultaneously.
Health is a prerequisite for learning.
In order for students to gain the most from their learning experience they must be healthy and ready to learn. Healthy students in health promoting schools can in turn contribute to their broader school community and develop as our future citizens. These learnings are most effective when reinforced by safe, healthy supportive psychosocial and physical environments and the availability and accessibility of support services, as needed. Programs should be designed for all students , e.g. those with serious health problems, those who are well, and those whose current personal health practices may in some way threaten their wellness. Because schools bring together all sorts of different people at different stages of development, and because students in school undergo such rapid change and development, health promotion programs should respond to their varied preferences and needs.