Walk to School Week is back, and will be taking place between Monday 16th and Friday 20th May 2022. The five-day challenge is an annual celebration and is also the perfect opportunity to take part in National Walking Month this May.
Run by Living Streets, the UK’s walking charity that wants to remove barriers to active travel, the campaign has been designed to help primary and secondary pupils experience first-hand the benefits of walking to school. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. Throughout the week, children will be well on their way to reaching the recommended 60 minutes minimum of physical activity, even before they reach the school gates. Being active and getting some exercise in the morning before arriving at school will help set children up for a positive day; improving focus and concentration and instilling a sense of physical and mental wellbeing. Last year, 350,000 pupils took part in the challenge, so schools are encouraged to join the growing movement to make 2022’s week even bigger!
Walk to School Week is also designed to extend beyond the week itself, by encouraging healthy habits for life with a focus on exercise, diet and wellbeing.
“The best thing about Walk to School Week is seeing the children’s enthusiasm for walking. They want to walk, they want to exercise, they want to take part. It’s all about everyone encouraging each other”
Mrs Baker, Headteacher at St Joseph’s Primary School, Bristol
The theme this year is #PowerUp which will engage pupils through video game design, encouraging them to travel sustainably to school every day of the week. Each day will see a level unlocked and a new mission to complete, through which pupils will discover the incredible benefits of walking for individuals, communities and our planet. The week-long challenge is not just about walking. Any type of exercise is encouraged, including cycling, riding your scooter or even running.
You can find out more information, as well as access the teaching resources, by visiting the Living Streets website.
