PUPILS at a Melksham primary school have been going the extra mile to keep fit recently by walking three kilometres a week at school as part of Wiltshire Council’s Olympic Games ‘Road to Rio’ challenge.
More than 250 pupils at The Manor Primary School have been walking a kilometre a day three days a week as part of the ‘Big Pledge’ challenge, which encourages people to get active in their communities in the lead up to next month’s Olympics.
Headteacher Kerry Haines is delighted with the impact the Big Pledge has had at the school.
Kerry said, “The Big Pledge has linked nicely to our learning about the Rio Olympics and helped encourage the children to maintain healthy lifestyles.
“The children have all thoroughly enjoyed the big walk and, importantly, have not seen it as an activity or lesson, it is more of an experience.
“They have enjoyed the time together walking and talking to each other and on some mornings listening and dancing to music as they walk!
“Because the whole school walk and talk together, regardless of age and ability, we have seen a true sense of belonging and caring between pupils and staff.
“The Big Pledge has given The Manor the opportunity to come together as a community before formal lessons. At the end of the big walk the children are energised and ready for learning. It is definitely something we are considering continuing next academic year.”
Since Easter, the pupils have also studied the history of the Olympics, its underpinning values and principles, and about the different range of competitive sports. They have also used this theme to consider how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The children also logged any additional activities they took part in during school time and outside of school. Each class has been tracking its progress on a central chart at the school.
Jonathon Seed, Seend councillor and cabinet member for leisure said, “Thousands of young people across the county have embraced this year’s Big Pledge challenge and we’ve been struck by their enthusiasm and efforts. The Manor School pupils are a shining example of the importance of keeping active and the benefits it brings. We hope Big Pledge has set people on the road to a healthier more active life – that will be a fantastic legacy.”
