Walk To School

We probably all know why we should walk to school, yet car journeys to school are up 20 per cent in last decade - but walking to school is down by 14 per cent.

Walking to school is healthier for both parents and children, will make us fitter and help combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. It is better for the environment every time we leave the car at home, and saves us money on both petrol and wear and tear. It is also safer than driving.

A recent report by car insurer MORE TH>N says that around 40 per cent of primary school children and 20 per cent of secondary school age are now driven to school every day. Furthermore, reducing the ‘school runs’ made by car by 10% could prevent 190 deaths and serious injuries a year. These startling statistics are a jolt even to those of us who are committed to walking to school already. In case you are wavering on the decision to get into the car, bear in mind that

’School run’ motor accidents cause almost 7,000 deaths and injuries a year with over 200 child deaths. That is one child killed on the school run every school day of the year.

There is lots of support for those wanting to walk, and those who want to encourage others too. The Walking Bus website is dedicated to helping schools set up walking buses. It requires adult volunteers to drive and conduct a group of children. Powered by good old fashioned legwork, it follows a set route to school, collecting pupils at designated bus stops. Inevitably it depends on the commitment of parent volunteers for the scheme to work. The website gives lots of information about what is involved in setting up such a scheme.

The Walk to School scheme comprises a national Walk to School Week campaign along with encouragement to walk some or part of the way to school for the rest of the time.

School-run.org is a new organisation set up to help like-minded parents who want to share the school run whether by car, bike or walking to get together. You do have to persuade your local authority to purchase the appropriate software, and then the school sets up a webpage that can be accessed by parents registered on the scheme.

The benefits of walking to school are too important to miss out on, and it’s ok if you cheat and take the car occasionally, walking to school should be a pleasure that you can enjoy with your children, not an endurance test if you have a bad back! If you see the way children delight in waving and catching up with their friends as they converge by foot on the school in the morning, you would not deny them this pleasure. Even a short walk to school can help a boisterous child work off enough energy to help them settle down for lessons, helping their concentration and increasing the likelihood of school success.

Walk To School Week 2008
The Learning Journey
Back to School Checklist

Sky Learning’s Top Tips for Avoiding Exam Stress
Coursework and exams can be stressful, so Sky Learning and Phil Beadle, the Teacher of the Year 2004 are easing the pain with Top Tips for exam planning and preparation that will help your children relax and get better marks!

Helping Your Child Through Exam Time
Find out how to guide your child in times of stress...

Stark Contrast In Attitudes To Studying Between Boys And Girls
GCSEs are on the horizon again and the age-old adage “boys will be boys” rings true in today’s classrooms according to findings of a survey by educational website Sky Learning gauging teenage attitudes to studying and exam stress. A third of those surveyed experience insomnia, headaches and lethargy during revision and exam times, whilst 46% say they become much more irritable and grumpy.