‘Model’ behaviour award

Ballymoney Model Controlled Integrated Primary School has received an award for its efforts to increase active travel on the journey to school.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Oct 2015, 08:00 BST

Ballymoney Model CIPS have been working with sustainable transport charity Sustrans for over a year now and have taken big steps to increase the number of children travelling to school by foot, scooter or bicycle.

Through a variety of events, lessons, skills sessions and competitions, pupils have learned about why is it important to be active, and have been developing skills to travel safely.

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Recently, Ballymoney Model CIPS was awarded the Sustrans School Mark ‘Bronze Award’ for Excellence in Sustainable Travel. Julie Jamison, Principal, said: “The pupils, parents and staff have all worked really hard over the past year to increase our active travel habits, and we are delighted to receive this award as a result.

“The children have been learning about the importance of active travel for their health and the environment, so it is great to see a gradual shift in how children travel to school.”

Emma Keenan, Sustrans Active Travel Officer, said: “Ballymoney Model CIPS have shown great commitment to increasing their levels of active travel.

“Over the past year, we saw a reduction in the number of children travelling regularly by car, from 100% to 60%.

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“This has a positive effect in reducing congestion around the school gate, and is a great way for children to get the exercise they need every day to keep healthy.

“The Bronze Award is well deserved, and pupils, parents and staff should be proud of their efforts”.

Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. www.sustrans.org.uk

As part of the Programme, Sustrans organises a free online challenge to motivate schools to travel more actively. The Sustrans Big Shift is open to any school to take part and sets individual targets, based on how pupils currently travel - helping them make a Small Step, Big Stride or Giant Leap in how pupils make the school journey. International Walk to School Month gives everyone an opportunity to be part of a global event.