Getting Youngsters Active

Much attention has been paid in the media recently to fears of a growing obesity problem in the UK. Along with dietary factors, diminishing levels of physical activity among youngsters who opt for screen-based leisure activities has been cited as a potential contributory factor. Meanwhile, the number of children being driven short distances to school, even within Haddenham, appears to be increasing.

In response to this, and with a nod in the direction of reducing our fossil fuel dependence, the School Travel Plan Team at St Mary's CE School has been looking for ways to encourage local youngsters to walk, scooter or cycle to and from school.

Bunting Flags
In the run up to Easter, the team invited children to design a Flag that made up bunting in each Haddenham school promoting walking to school. The activity was entitled Spring into Walking and the children designed their bunting flag with this theme in mind, and the slogan of 'what they would say to someone to encourage them to walk to school' — i.e., the benefits of walking.

Happy Shoesday
More recently, in the week before the May half-term holiday, the School Travel Plan Team promoted the 'Walk to School Week', when children where strongly encouraged to walk, scooter or cycle to school. As part of this on Tuesday 19th May children were encouraged to wear shoes to school that make them smile happy — "a day dedicated to wearing shoes that put a spring in your step and a smile on your face". Children were invited to come to school in whatever shoes made them the happiest — shiny, decorated, red, cartoon, gorilla feet, crocs, wellies ..... whatever brings a smile on the walk to school.

Scooter Snake
On Wednesday 20th May the Team held a Scooter Snake to School, when children were invited to 'Bling' up their scooters and scoot as a group to school from the Catholic Church. Walkers were also welcomed, of course — the more the merrier!

Head Teacher, Mrs Collett added 'bling' to her scooter and lead the way. Mrs Richardson also borrowed a scooter and joined in the fun!