Eco-friendly pupils swap walking for racing cars

The pupils from Birchington C of E Primary School were invited to Hornby Hobbies Visitor Centre at Westwood Industrial Estate in Margate after winning a KM Charity Team Walk on Wednesday (Wow) walk-to-school challenge.

They enjoyed a fun day playing with Hornby favourites such as Scalextric.

Walk on Wednesday Winners from KM Charity Team on Vimeo.

Hornby consumer activity coordinator Katie Ross said: “The Hornby Business Centre supports local and national charities throughout the year, and we’ve raised quite a significant amount of money.

“When the KM Charity Team approached us about working with Wow to help children get more healthy and active, we jumped at the chance, and offered a free school class visit for the winning class.”

Pupils were full of praise for Wow, with Jessica Marsh saying: “I love walking to school because it saves money and petrol, and there will be less cars on the road and it will be better for the environment.”

George Dilloway said: “I love walking to school because it helps the environment, and also it’s better than sitting in the car especially when it is hot.”

And Archie Chapman said: “I like walking to school because when I get to school my muscles are warmed up for tag in the morning, and it helps me run quicker and run better. It helps me wake up and feel more alert so I don’t fall asleep in the morning.”

The children’s comments were echoed by teacher Jackie Bryant, who said: “Birchington School is on a very busy road, so Wow helps the children to learn road awareness.

“This day and age, more parents are bringing their children to school by car, and where we live is quite a congested area. So walking to school on Wednesday is helping congestion in Birchington and making it a safer place for our children.”

As of September, Wow will be renamed as Super Wow. The green travel scheme encourages families to walk to school, with classes competing each week to be awarded the Green Class of the Week Trophy.

A monthly inter-school green travel challenge awards winning classes tickets to leisure attractions or visits by storytellers.

Schools joining Super Wow by 24 July will get a 20% discount. Contact Sarah Clyne by phoning 08442 640291 or emailing SClyne@schoolinspirationalservices.co.uk.

Super Wow’s supporters include Whites Transport, housing company Orbit, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Specsavers, Eurostar, the London Borough of Bexley and Three R’s Teacher Recruitment.

Contact Details

Sarah Clyne
Telephone: 08442 640291
Email: SClyne@schoolinspirationalservices.co.uk