Walk to School Month
Suitable for primary school pupils.
Overview
Programme
Education phase
Category of activity
TravelTypes of activity
How it helps
- Can reduce air pollution around schools
- Encourages parental participation
- Supports health challenges and goals
Useful Links
Visit the Walk to School Month websiteUseful Resources
Pupil Pedometer Challenge Record SheetAbout the activity
October's International Walk to School Month helps to encourage and embed active travel behaviours within your school community. It's also an opportunity to be part of a global campaign which can get your pupils walking alongside young people in over 40 countries.
You’ll find lots of activities on this website that can be run throughout the month to keep it fun and inspiring. Take a look at Park and Stride, walking zones and brighten your bag. Or you can organise a sponsored walk. See Coopers' Company and Coborn School's themed sponsored walk poster for inspiration!
Involve your pupils in the planning and speak to neighbouring schools and your borough officer for ideas and support.
Running the activity
Living Streets has a resource pack to support your Walk to School Month. Their classroom packs are available in the autumn term and provide everything you need for a class of 30 pupils to take part. This includes wall charts, activity diaries and a series of fun walking challenges.
You can also use our pedometre challenge record sheet to keep track of how much your pupils are walking.
How to evidence your activity
- Record the feedback from your pupils. Note how they have used the resources and how this has helped you meet your targets
- Take pictures. This is a celebration of walking so capture the joy.
- Upload your evidence to explain your activity, add photos of your pupils taking part in the event or receiving prizes and include their feedback. Also include any posters, letters and promotional materials you have used
Activity steps
Step 1
Get ready. Speak to your borough officer or visit the Living Streets' website (see Resources) to get all the information you need to get started
Step 2
Plan a fun-filled Walk to School Month. Involve your JTAs in the planning and use our range of activity cards to help you plan the month ahead
Step 3
Speak to your neighbours. Find out which other schools in your borough are taking part in the month and join forces for extra impact
Step 4
Promote your walking activities. Put up posters or do a performance (see Resources), include an article in the school newsletter or on the website and social media to let everyone know what you have planned and how they can take part
Step 5
Track progress. Track your pupils’ progress in class (see Resources) and invite your wider school community to commit to their own walking goals
Step 6
Celebrate everyone's walking efforts. Over the month celebrate those who are taking part by sharing their efforts and achievements with the school
Step 7
Tell your story. Upload evidence to "my activities".