Pupils at Hermitage Primary School in Wapping, Tower Hamlets, took part in this year’s national Walk to School Week by travelling actively to school, either walking, cycling, scooting or taking part in a “park and stride” journey, where the last part is completed on foot.
The theme of this year’s Walk to School Week was Mission Move, encouraging children to get active and complete a five-day walking challenge.
Embracing the week’s challenges, each class at Hermitage Primary, which is part of LETTA multi-academy trust, completed a daily Mission Move tracker, recording the number of active journeys they made throughout the week.
They also completed Mission Move activity diaries to reflect on their journeys and learning across the week and stickers and bookmarks were awarded throughout the week to help motivate and celebrate pupils’ participation and effort.
The children created a class pledge, encouraging everyone to commit to travelling actively to school whenever possible.
Pupils also took part in a special assembly where they explored the importance of caring for the environment, physical health, mental wellbeing, road safety, community, inclusivity and sustainability.
They learned how active travel can help reduce pollution, improve wellbeing and create safer, healthier communities.
Max Lawson, headteacher of Hermitage Primary School, said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed all our activities to mark this year’s Walk to School Week and we were delighted to see our whole school community embrace the challenge of travelling actively.
“Encouraging our pupils to adopt more active lifestyles is something we are passionate about, and our fantastic location just a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Tower Bridge means we are surrounded with opportunities that the children explore, such as riverside walks, green spaces, historic landmarks and cultural attractions.
“Walk to School Week encouraged teamwork, responsibility and positive habits, with all the pupils at Hermitage showing great enthusiasm and pride in taking part – we are very proud of all of them.”
