A few months ago, we reported on one Scottish school’s unique approach to the obesity crisis, and it garnered plenty of praise. Now, months after St Ninian’s hit the headlines for requiring its students to run or walk a mile every day, its success is being hailed around the UK.
According to reports, there are now no overweight students attending the school – making it the perfect model for other institutions hoping to take a similarly active approach to tackling the childhood obesity crisis.
With a reported 500 more primary schools around Britain adopting the one-mile scheme, there has been a fresh drive to introduce the scheme to all schools throughout the UK.
Decreased obesity levels and increased fitness levels aside, the one-mile scheme has served up other amazing results. Indeed, teachers in Stirling-based St Ninian’s claim that their pupils’ concentration and behaviour levels and have been majorly boosted as a result of the 15-minute exercise break.
The scheme has come back to the fore this week following Wednesday’s Budget 2016 announcement regarding the introduction on a sugar levy on the soft drinks industry. With obesity and poor dental health two of the biggest issues facing children today, it is hoped that the tax will help to alleviate these health problems.
So, what are your thoughts on the one-mile scheme? Is your child’s school already participating? If not, do you think it’s a good idea?
