St Ninians Primary School in Stirling, Scotland has introduced a novel initiative whereby schoolchildren are required to either walk or run a mile each day. The obesity-busting scheme is in addition to the school’s scheduled PE classes, and apparently only requires 15 minutes out of the school day.
Commenting on the scheme at the time, head teacher Elaine Wyllie said: “It’s not really time-intrusive at all. It’s also developing the children’s social, emotional and mental wellbeing. They’re able to come outside and socialise with their peers in a different way than they would at lunch or playtime.”
“I get at least two emails a day from other schools and local authorities asking how we do it,” she added.
And clearly the scheme has prompted a lot of interest on a broader level, with schools in the wider community as well as in Wales and England also taking up the initiative.
Now, researchers at Stirling University are launching a study to consider the cognitive, physical and emotional benefits of the one-mile scheme – meaning children everywhere could soon be taking part.
What are your thoughts? Would you like to see your children participating in a scheme like this?
