Latest news with #WalktoSchoolWeek
Edinburgh Reporter
21-05-2025
- Science
- Edinburgh Reporter
Space walk is part of Walk to School Week
Local school pupils met at The Scottish Parliament for a special space-themed walk as part of Living Streets' Walk to School Week. Pupils from Royal Mile Primary School in Edinburgh dressed as astronauts for Living Streets' Walk to School Week which takes place from 19-23 May. Joined by representatives from The City of Edinburgh Council they set off on a space-themed walk to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, enjoying discovering facts about the solar system and how walking and wheeling to school can help protect our planet. Pupils also enjoyed a visit to Dynamic Earth and Planetarium, the only science centre and planetarium in Edinburgh. During Walk to School Week, pupils across Scotland are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school each day during the week, to feel the benefits of getting active before the school day. This year's Walk to School Week theme, The Great Space Walk, has inspired thousands of children to travel actively to school each day of the week, with over 250,000 pupils already signed up for the challenge. Chris Thompson, Programme Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: 'Walk to School Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary steps pupils across Scotland are taking to make their journey to school more active, which is better for individuals, communities and the planet. 'By choosing to walk, they're showing how small actions lead to big impacts, such as easing congestion, improving air quality, and creating cleaner, healthier streets. We hope this week inspires others to walk and wheel to school and discover how easy it can be to make their daily commute truly 'out of this world'.' Mrs Black, Head Teacher at Royal Mile Primary School said: 'It is wonderful to see how much our children enjoy participating in the WOW challenge, and having their hard work acknowledged in this way is incredibly rewarding. 'We are extremely proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm to walk and wheel to school in all weathers. We've also seen a real difference in the number of cars outside the school gates, making the roads safer for pupils and the wider community.' Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener at the City of Edinburgh Council said: 'Walking, wheeling and cycling to school has such a positive impact on young people. It helps build independence, improves road awareness, and helps pupils start the day feeling energised and ready to learn. 'From ambitious active travel projects like the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and Roseburn to Union Canal along with traffic calming and road safety measures – we're committed to making people feel more comfortable walking, wheeling, and cycling, whilst creating more liveable and inclusive streets and neighbourhoods. 'Congratulations to the pupils and staff at Royal Mile Primary School for their outstanding commitment to travelling to school in safer, healthier, and more sustainable ways.' Living Streets Scotland currently delivers WOW – the walk to school challenge in more than 200 primary schools across the country. The pupil-led initiative encourages students to log their active journeys to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, cycle, scoot, or wheel to school once a week for a month are rewarded with a special collectible badge. You can find out more about Living Streets, Walk to School Week and WOW – the walk to school challenge at Home | Living Streets. Like this: Like Related
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen schools given maps to encourage active travel
The maps, which will be displayed on school gates at the selected primary and secondary schools in Torfaen, show five and ten-minute safe walking and cycling routes to school for parents, carers, and children. It comes in time for Walk to School Week. Paul Keane, executive headteacher of the Federation of Blenheim Road and Coedeva Community Primary schools, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the local authority for designing and producing these vibrant and engaging display boards. "They are a fantastic resource that not only promote active travel but also inspire our pupils to make healthier, more sustainable choices." Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: "Active travel is not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it's about fostering healthier lifestyles and creating safer, more connected communities. "Encouraging children to walk, cycle, or scoot to school helps them develop a lifelong appreciation for their environment and promotes physical well-being." Since 2021, the council's active travel team has worked with 19 schools to develop active travel school plans. As part of the programme, the team works with each school to find ways of increasing the number of pupils who walk, cycle, or scoot to school. The maps and leaflets were funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to invest in community well-being and environmental sustainability.
South Wales Argus
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Parents can win scooter by sharing school run stories
The competition is part of Walk to School Week, which is taking place from May 19 to 23. The yearly initiative is aimed at getting more children and their families walking and taking part in exercise as they head to school. The campaign is organised by Living Streets, which is the UK charity for everyday walking. Micro Scooters is sponsoring the campaign and giving away 10 scooters and helmet sets to those who tell the best stories of their walk to school. Ben Gibson, managing director at Micro Scooters UK, said: "Swapping one car journey for a scoot to school might seem like a small thing, but it has a big ripple effect. "Fewer cars, cleaner air, and happier, more active kids. "We're proud to support Walk to School Week and to help families build healthier habits." The winners will be announced by email on May 26. To enter the competition people should visit the Living Streets website.
