Blog

Creating Active Schools in Calderdale began with staff training in 12 Phase 1 Trailblazer schools in the Summer term of 2021. With the goal of supporting pupils to be active whenever possible and utilising Physically Active Learning to improve learning, attainment, attendance and behaviour, and with input from the whole staff, each school produced a bespoke action plan, individual to each school, which was implemented during the Autumn Term of 2021.

by Ifeoma Isife

I have a son, now 7 years old. I am the main carer and I take him out to ride his bike alongside other activities. I always walk behind while he is on his bike and most times, he would say ‘C’mon mummy walk fast’ or ‘you can’t catch me’ sort of phrase to make me close the gap between us or walk faster. Cycling with my son is the main motivation, his current phrase now is ‘I’m faster than you’ whenever he cycles past me.

In April 2021, Active Calderdale launched the Creating Active Schools programme, an initiative designed to help children to become fitter and healthier for life by being more active in and around the school day. Presentations were made at meetings of primary and secondary Headteachers with invitations for Expressions of Interest; the number of enquiries received far exceeded expectations and it was clear that there was an appetite for this programme to be implemented in Calderdale’s schools.

Twice a year Dr Alexandra Potts, our Evaluation Lead from Leeds Beckett University, reports back to Sport England on the learnings, progress, and challenges we have experienced over the previous six months in our bi-annual Process Evaluation Report. It offers a point of reflection and an opportunity to help shape the next six months and the direction we take.

Moving away from traditional reports, this Process Evaluation submission covers three things we want to celebrate, share, explore with others, and what we are doing next. Specifically, we want to;

When we meet, can we move? That’s the question that we are asking every organisation in Calderdale this summer. We’re asking this because we believe that when we move, we’re stronger – and walking meetings are a great way to get started for many.

When I moved to the UK in 2001 I felt like I lost everything. I joined this group, now I feel like I’m back to a child again, and I'm so happy 

Kramblers Member

When we come on a walk we're not on our phones, not on our social media - the whole world's problems are left behind