WOODSIDE Academy is the first school in Essex to win the Sustrans School Mark for Excellence in Sustainable Travel at Silver level. The school has been working on sustainable journeys to school since winning the Sustrans Bronze Bike It Award in 2010. The new Silver Level School Mark replaces the Silver Bike It Award to reflect the school’s work in encouraging not only cycling but all forms of car free travel.
The Mayor of Thurrock Councillor Steve Liddiard, accompanied by Thurrock Sustrans Officer Hannah Brittain and PCSO Plastow, came into Woodside to present the award and also presented the Sainsbury’s School Sports Gold Award and the Modeshift Stars Sustainable Travel Award Bronze awards at a special assembly on 20th November. Councillor Liddiard commended staff and pupils on their efforts to increase sustainable travel.
Woodside Principal Edward Caines said “At Woodside we value academic achievement very highly but we place equal emphasis on keeping children active through high quality sporting opportunities and teaching them about sustainability. It was great to receive Gold, Silver and Bronze in three different awards which reflect this work”.
Woodside’s staff Bike It champion Ricky Doyle has organized a serious of bike related events besides the Sustrans promotions which as well as regular rides in and around Thurrock include taking children to watch the Tour de France as it came through Essex and a visit to the Olympic Velodrome at Stratford. Earlier this term Ofsted commented on the “awesome” range of clubs enjoyed by children at Woodside.
As well as the award Thurrock Sustrans Officer Hannah Brittain has presented Woodside with three bikes for the school, two mountain bikes so that children without suitable cycles can join in the regular cycle club activities, and a special pedal-less balance bike, ideal for teaching younger children to ride without stabilizers.
