Corneli Primary School claims first place in the ‘Big Walk and Wheel 2023’!

For the second time running, Corneli Primary School was crowned first out of schools from across the county borough, as well as fifth in the whole of Wales, in the Sustrans ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ competition.

The contest encourages pupils to choose active ways to travel to school over a two-week period. 

From Monday 20 to Friday 31 March 2023, the pupils of Corneli Primary School walked, scooted, rode and sang their way to school!  Parents saw staff meeting children by the community crossing patrol officer and arriving at school singing, ‘We’re walking, we’re wheeling, Corneli’s got the feeling!’

Lily-Mai, a Year 4 pupil, said: “The Big Walk and Wheel encourages everyone to be healthy. Our song is so catchy - we sing it all day!’

In spite of 9 out of ten rainy days, the weather failed to dampen the community spirit of the school, with numbers of children participating increasing with each day of the event!

Mrs Amanda Lewis, the co-ordinator for the school’s ‘Walk & Wheel’ events, said: “We are so proud of the enthusiasm of all the children and their families who turned up every day in the pouring rain. It is such a critical life skill to understand the importance of an active life.”

Activities and lessons were planned around active learning, competitions were held, as well as a final celebration assembly. The whole school, including the staff, dressed up for ‘Dress to be Seen’ and ‘Bling your Wheels’ competitions, with the generous Parents and Friends Association donating money for prizes and treats.

Daisy, a Year 4 pupil, said: ‘I love the Big Walk and Wheel. It is my favourite time of the year!’

Praised for prioritising the wellbeing of the children in a recent Estyn inspection, the staff are committed to promoting the positives of an active, healthy life to the children – which has also      contributed to the school scooping its fifth Eco Schools Platinum Award this summer term! 

Wow! I’d like to congratulate the children on their success and perseverance in the Sustrans ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ event!

I also want to praise the staff of Corneli Primary School for the absolute dedication and commitment shown towards supporting the wellbeing of its learners.

The awards they have claimed, the Eco Platinum Award, first place in Sustrans ‘Big Walk and Wheel’ contest, both demonstrate this.

However, more importantly, the positive feedback from the children, is the greatest testimony to the hard work and enthusiasm of the staff.

Well done, Corneli Primary School! Keep up the fantastic work!

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education