Pupils from Great Barton Primary Academy and Stowupland High School have been recognised for their efforts in encouraging active and sustainable travel by receiving Bronze Modeshift STARS accreditations. Exning Primary School who first received a Bronze accreditation in 2019, has become the first primary school in Suffolk to receive a Silver Modeshift STARS accreditation for their ongoing commitment and hard work.
- Great Barton Primary Academy – encouraging road safety, by working with local councils to relocate and promote the puffin crossing near the school. This includes designing new street signs and a Park & Stride campaign
- Stowupland High School – encouraging active and sustainable travel and road safety. A group of sixth form students set up a walking bus to help new Year 7 students build confidence walking to a new school
- Exning Primary School – received their silver accreditation for their ongoing hard work promoting sustainable travel, road safety and improving air quality outside the school gates by running an anti-idling campaign
The Modeshift STARS Accreditation scheme encourages schools across England to implement their own travel plans to increase levels of sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well-being of children and young people. More information on Modeshift STARS can be found at – www.suffolk.gov.uk/adviceontravel as well as top tips and advice on travelling to school.
The accreditations further support the county council’s Let’s make a change for the future campaign which is encouraging residents to consider more active and sustainable travel options during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid overcrowding the county’s transport network, and longer term to experience the benefits of improved health and wellbeing, less congestion and cleaner air.
Claire Ratley, Headteacher at Gt Barton Primary Academy, said: “The Junior Road Safety Officers are thrilled to have received the Modeshift Stars Bronze award for all of their hard work. They are already planning on a number of future events to continue to build upon the work they have already done so far. As a school, we are very conscious of the impact we can have on our environment. The work we have done with Modeshift has helped to support our Green Flag Eco-Schools work and is really important to us.”
Peter Whear, Headteacher at Stowupland High School, said: “As only the second high school in Suffolk to have been awarded such recognition, we were delighted to receive our official STARS Bronze accreditation.
“Safe, sustainable travel to and from school is so important to students. John Milton Academy Trust has a commitment to promoting sustainability in its practice. This accreditation marks the school’s and the trust’s ongoing commitment to low carbon, sustainable transport.”
Elizabeth Kent, Headteacher at Exning Primary School, said: “At Exning Primary School, sustainability is at the heart of our ethos and our Junior Road Safety Team have persevered in their efforts to encourage people to make the right travel choices; both for their health and for our environment.
“We are extremely proud of our team and we’d like to congratulate Mrs Kent and our Junior Road Safety Officers on their hard work over the past few years which has culminated in this well-deserved Modeshift Stars Silver Award.”
Mark Ash, Executive Director of Growth, Highways and Infrastructure at Suffolk County Council, said: I am delighted that these Suffolk schools have achieved their accreditations. It recognises the hard work of the schools and their local communities.
“As more residents become aware of how important active and sustainable travel is during the Covid-19 crisis and the longer term benefits, Modeshift STARS are an ideal way to help local communities make active and sustainable travel an attractive alternative.
“Congratulations to Gt Barton Primary Academy, Stowupland High School and Exning Primary School.”