Between 21st March and 1st April 2022, students across all year groups at Avonbourne Academies have been participating in this year’s ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ initiative.

Organised by charity Sustrans, the initiative is the UK’s largest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling challenge. The purpose of the initiative is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle amongst young people by encouraging them to walk or wheel to school instead of using other modes of transport. It also inspires local communities across the country to work together to reduce congestion and improve air quality in their local areas.

Students, led by the schools’ Eco Committee, immersed themselves in the challenge arriving at school by foot, on scooters and on bikes. Those students who live further away from the academy were also encouraged to get involved in the active challenge by taking up some form of physical exercise during the day.

Andre, a Year 11 student at Avonbourne Boys’ Academy and Eco Committee member, said:

“I cycle to school every day to ensure I am doing my best to protect our environment.”

Alicia, a Year 11 student at Avonbourne Girls’ Academy and Eco Committee member, said:

“I believe we all hold a strong responsibility to care for the environment for future generations.”

Laura Tsabet, Associate Assistant Principal at Avonbourne Academies, and Carbon Neutral Champion, said:

“Participating in the ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ has been such a joy. Over the last two weeks, we have seen the percentage of students walking or wheeling into school increasing, and more students are actively talking about the positive impact of this change on their physical health, as well as on their general wellbeing. Hopefully this event has achieved its purpose of reducing pollution and raising awareness of the environmental issues that affect us all. I'd love this to be something we can participate in annually.”