Blanchelande pupils are having a blast
A SHORT BLAST of activity will be seen most mornings at Blanchelande as young pupils get some exercise in before starting their school day.
Juniors and infants at the college will complete 15-minute circuits for the Blanchelande Blast twice a week.
Students are more active, energised and healthier from the initiative inspired by national challenge the Daily Mile, supported by the Health Improvement Commission.
‘Juniors started last week and have two sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, fitting it in before the school day,’ said Mark Allison, head of Juniors and a Year 6 teacher.
Without a set finish date, pupils will continuously increase activity levels.
‘It’s all about changing habits and getting children into a frame of mind on healthy activity. On Mondays some are a bit bleary eyed, and this gives them a blast of exercise to get going. By going at their own pace it’s a bit of fun, and not a race.’
No specialist kit is needed.
‘They simply have to get up and go. It’s meant to show it’s not complicated to exercise. They’re all happy to do it – you can see it on their faces.’
Amy and Holly Smith, both 9, were giggling and having fun.
‘It’s really fun and leaves you energetic for your first lesson,’ Holly said.
Amy said: ‘It was a bit tiring when we started last week but now it’s easier. It’s nice having time to be outside and chat before lessons.’
Infants had their first session on Monday. Head of Infants Alexa Yeoman said: ‘We’re doing Mondays and Tuesdays. Infants and juniors have staggered start times so it fits in well. It is good for wellbeing and ties in with the walk to school challenge.’
The number of Blanchelande students walking to school has increased by a third this year, with some parents dropping them off at the Last Post or St Andrew’s Church. HIC is developing whole-school frameworks to find simple ways to increase physical activity.
It is recommended that children aged eight to 10 do an hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a day. A HIC study showed just 44% meet that.
HIC active travel officer Alex Costen said: ‘It’s great to see the kids enjoying themselves on a nice autumnal morning. It’s across the school for all ages and should get their brains going for a really good day.’
She said by going at their own pace, it is inclusive of all abilities.
‘It’s a great initiative and hopefully other schools will take it up or reintroduce it.’
