Taking a Viking stance to climate change issue
PRIMARY SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO BECOMING CARBON ZERO BY 2030
A BURTON school is stepping up to its sustainable goals after a record walk to school campaign as part of its bid to become carbon zero.
Outwoods Primary School is celebrating a 13 per cent increase in children walking to school following a week-long campaign to mark Walk to School Week.
The project is part of the Harehedge Lane school’s commitment to promoting sustainable travel. The school, which has joined the governments Let’s Go Zero campaign, is committed to being carbon zero by 2030. The campaign aims to transform schools to safeguard the planet for future generations, and is seeing pupils take up a variety of challenges as part of the campaign.
It follows statistics that show the school-run alone contributes to half a million tonnes of carbon emissions – the same as some small countries.
Headteacher Joanne Cutbush said the latest Walk to School campaign supports their long-term goals of tackling the climate crisis by reducing plastic and pollution and improving the environment.
She said: “As a school we are very passionate about helping build brighter futures for our pupils and the community. It is why we are committed to going carbon zero by 2030. It was great to see that our walk to school activities were so well received, and I am really proud of the pupils who worked hard to raise awareness of the benefits of more sustainable travel.
“The school run has a very damaging effect not only on the environment by causing pollution, but adds to congestion around the school gates.
“Getting out into the fresh air, walking, biking or scooting is not only healthier, but can have a positive effect on children’s mental health.
“We appreciate that not everyone can walk to school but little changes, however small, can all make a big difference, and it was amazing to see families getting on board to do their bit where they can.’’
Outwoods Primary School is part of the Modeshift STARS Travel Plan supported by the Department of Transport to award schools, businesses and other organisations that show excellence in sustainable travel.
They are currently working towards their Gold accreditation after submitting an application for their Silver award earlier this month.
Last Friday, nearly 200 parents and pupils walked through time as part of the campaign to mark the anniversary of when the English used the power of walking to defeat the Vikings by walking through a swamp to take the enemy by surprise.
The primary school is now planning a further series of activities later in the year around the key areas of energy and climate change, plastic and waste, nature and biodiversity.
Fifteen travel ambassador pupils have been assigned to raise awareness of the benefits of walking, not only for the environment but also for mental health and fitness.
They will also continue to advocate positive energy and climate change choices to help with raising awareness of the small changes the whole school can make.