This week, our Junior Travel Ambassadors in Year 5 delivered an inspiring assembly about the importance of doing our part for the environment, whatever our circumstances may be. A key message was how we can all make environmentally sustainable choices when thinking about traveling to and from school. If our own family or personal circumstances make that tricky, small steps in the right direction are bound to be better than none. I am always quietly delighted that at least one family here often makes part of their journey to school by crossing the mighty Thames in a boat, seasonal conditions permitting!
One suggestion that resonated from the boys’ assembly was the importance of considering how to make changes to the morning and afternoon school runs. Cycling is a wonderful option, and we love seeing pupils arrive on bikes—it’s healthy, eco-friendly, and above all fun. For those who cycle, there were helpful reminders about vigilance and road safety overall. We would, naturally, be thrilled if more families gave cycling a try.
Another recommended approach is ‘Park and Stride’. This means parking a short distance away, such as along Gloucester Road or in Carlisle Park, and walking the final stretch. If you are new to this idea, it was suggested trialling it once a week at first to see how it goes, with the aim of building this up and making it a regular habit. By dispersing parking away from the sometimes congested section of Gloucester Road immediately outside our entrance, and continuing the journey to our site on foot, we can improve relations with our neighbours (something we all value) while promoting healthy habits for both children and adults.
