This week (21-25 May) is Walk To School Week, the aim of which is to try to encourage more pupils to walk to school rather than travelling often less than a mile by car.  This will hopefully help to improve the fitness and health of the next generation of adults and go some way to reversing the trend that has seen Britain become the obesity capital of Europe.

Currently only around 40% of our pupils walk to school, and those who travel by car to GTC live under 1.1 miles away on average... which is a mere 20 minutes walk.  In many cases pupils would probably get here quicker walking than they do by struggling through the traffic congestion to get here in their parents' cars! 

By choosing to walk instead pupils can not only help to preserve the environment, but they can help to reduce traffic levels and congestion, making the streets safer for pedestrians, and become fitter and healthier at the same time.  They can walk and chat with their friends on the way to school, meaning they are less inclined to do so when they arrive at lesson 1.  And they will arrive more alert and ready to learn, hopefully helping to improve their attainment.  So there are lots of benefits.

In order to show our pupils that they can walk just over a mile to school, one day* during Walk To School Week  I will be doing just that (...and walking home again), as my way of promoting a good cause.  But my efforts will entail a total distance of around 32 miles!

I have decided to try to help children who would love to be able to walk, but are unable to do so due to disability.  To this end I would invite you to pledge a donation to the charity Whizz Kidz in recognition of my efforts!  Details of this charity and what they do can be seen at: http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/why-we-need-your-help/

More details about Walk To School Week can be seen here:
http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-with-us/walk-to-school/secondary-schools

My walk was featured in the T&A, with support from some GTC pupils:
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/news_behind/9694994.Walking_this_way_for_inspiration___/

I will be extremely grateful for any pledges/sponsorship raised, and all proceeds will go to Whizz Kidz. 

Thanks in advance for your support.  Remember, every penny counts.

Damian Scott


*Note:  I am only doing this on ONE day.  160 miles in 5 days is beyond even me!!!