Pupils from Luton school win national award for making journeys safer and greener
Ferrars Academy in Luton has been recognised with a national award for its efforts to make journeys to school safer, healthier and more environmentally friendly.
The school received the Modeshift STARS Outstanding Travel Accreditation, recognising its work to encourage walking, cycling and other sustainable ways of travelling.
Cllr Amjid Ali, leader of Luton Council, presented the school with its certificate and congratulated them on the accreditation during a celebration assembly on Friday, October 23, alongside the council’s road safety team.
He said: “It’s particularly encouraging to see pupils taking such an active role in promoting sustainable travel.
“The Travel Titans creating their own sustainable travel book is a brilliant example of how children can take the initiative and encourage their peers and families to think differently about everyday journeys.”
He added: “By encouraging walking, cycling and other sustainable travel choices from an early age, schools can help support healthier lifestyles, safer journeys and a cleaner environment.”
Pupils have played a key role in the school’s achievement through its Travel Titans group, which has helped develop initiatives to encourage families and staff to make more sustainable travel choices.
The group designed a poster promoting car sharing and took part in the annual five-day Big Walk challenge organised by walking charity Living Streets.
Walking has also been incorporated into lessons, with pupils visiting the local library and Reception children taking part in a welly walk to Lewsey Park.
The school has also introduced practical road safety activities for nursery pupils, teaching them how to hold an adult’s hand, stop at the kerb, look and listen for traffic and identify safe places to cross.
After struggling to find a suitable child-friendly resource about sustainable travel, pupils decided to produce their own sustainable travel book.
During weekly meetings and lunchtime clubs, they researched, designed, illustrated and edited the book, which encourages children to consider walking, cycling, scooting and using public transport.
It also highlights the importance of looking after the environment and was shared with families through the school newsletter, with printed copies distributed to every class.
Principal Sarah Green said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Modeshift STARS Outstanding Travel Plan accreditation.
“Our Travel Titans, supported by Miss Neelam Rashid, have played a leading role in encouraging sustainable travel habits across our school community.
She added: “Their enthusiasm, ideas and commitment have been at the heart of our journey, and this award reflects the collective effort of our children, families and staff to make positive changes towards healthier, greener travel choices.”