Northumberland pupils celebrate national award nod
17 Oct 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Pupils at Allendale Primary School are celebrating being shortlisted for a national award for their commitment to choosing cleaner and healthier ways to travel to school.
Modeshift STARS is the national schools awards scheme that recognises schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.
Allendale Primary School was named Northumberland Primary School of the Year 2022 and North East Regional Primary School of the Year 2022 at the Modeshift STARS regional awards in June. The school now goes forward to the national awards, taking place in London.
Allendale Primary School takes part in WOW - the walk to school challenge from charity Living Streets. WOW sees pupils record how they get to school using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker with those who walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ to school being awarded a monthly WOW badge.
Nationally, 43 per cent of 5–10-year-olds are driven to school1. However, just 5 per cent of journeys recorded on the WOW Travel Tracker by pupils at Allendale Primary School are car trips all the way to the school gates.
Living Streets is now working with the school to run WOW Ambassador training, so select pupils can take ownership of WOW, champion it with their classmates and encourage others to travel actively to school.
Participating in Living Streets’ WOW can help schools work towards achieving national accreditation through Modeshift STARS. Allendale Primary School has successfully achieved Platinum status, the highest level available.
Pupils at the school were joined by Cllr Colin Horncastle and representatives from Modeshift and Living Streets, including Living Streets’ mascot Strider to be presented with their Platinum Modeshift Award and to celebrate International Walk to School Month.
Councillor John Riddle, Chair of Northumberland County Council’s Walking and Cycling Board and Cabinet Member for Local services said: “Allendale Primary School is a shining example of a community working together for a fitter and greener future.
“In a rural area with a large catchment area, staff, parents and pupils have embraced the idea of considering and using other methods of travel on their journeys to and from school. We wish the school every success in the national awards.”
Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the achievements of Allendale Primary School during International Walk to School Month. Walking to school can help reduce congestion, air pollution and road danger outside the school gates, while pupils and their families benefit from moving more.
“Allendale Primary School is proof that it’s possible to increase active travel rates, whether you’re in a village, town or city. They are an inspiration and I’d encourage others to follow in their footsteps.”
Mrs Alison Hawkins, Headteacher, Allendale Primary School said: "We are delighted that all the school's work around active journeys to school, health, wellbeing and clean air have been recognised by the Modeshift Platinum Award. The children take the lead on many of our initiatives and are passionate advocates for good health and wellbeing as well as care for the environment."
Cheryl Ford Lyddon, Modeshift STARS Programme Manager said: “We are delighted to celebrate with Allendale Primary School their success in achieving a STARS Outstanding Travel Plan accreditation for delivering active and sustainable travel activities. Not only do they work with their pupils, but they engage with their whole school community, creating a better environment for everyone.
“Their hard work and dedication has made a huge difference around their school and we are thrilled with their ongoing success. Well done Allendale Primary School!”