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Published: 20th NOVEMBER 2020

Children at an Enniskillen school transform their school run

County Fermanagh’s first-ever ߣߣƵ Gold School Mark awarded to Jones Memorial Primary School, Enniskillen, as children blaze a trail for their health and the environment.

school award

Beth Harding, ߣߣƵ presenting the Gold School Mark Award to Mrs Isherwood, Jones Memorial PS. Pictured with Education Minister Peter Weir, First Minister Arlene Foster, Gareth Barbour, Jones Memorial PS and Ann-Marie Cox, ߣߣƵ.

County Fermanagh’s first ever ߣߣƵ Gold School Mark awarded to Jones Memorial Primary School.

The ߣߣƵ Gold School Mark is awarded to a school that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to promoting active and sustainable travel over several years, which has led to significant and lasting organisational, cultural and behavioural changes.

Jones Memorial Primary have been working towards their ߣߣƵ Gold Award since 2015 as part of their ongoing engagement in the Active School Travel Programme delivered by ߣߣƵ.

Jones Memorial Primary now joins an elite group of 12 schools across Northern Ireland that have received the prestigious ߣߣƵ Gold School Mark.

Speaking at the presentation of the award, DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster congratulated the school.

“I am delighted that Jones Memorial Primary School have received this award in recognition of the excellent work they are doing,” the First Minister said.

It is so important to think about the environment and how we can minimise any detrimental impact upon it. Small steps in changing our behaviours can have a real, positive change. It is wonderful that these pupils have stepped up to making these changes and I know this has far reaching benefits for their own health and wellbeing also.
DUP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, First Minister Arlene Foster

“I want to congratulate the staff and pupils on this achievement.”

Active School Travel Programme

Funded by the and the, the ߣߣƵ Active School Travel Programme works with over 430 schools across Northern Ireland, helping pupils, families and staff to leave the car behind and take to their feet or two wheels to get to school.

At the end of the 2018-19 school year, the number of children walking, cycling and scooting to school at participating schools increased from 35% to 53%. At the same time, the number of pupils being driven to school fell from 58% to 41%. 

Pupils from Jones Memorial Primary School, Enniskillen

Dedication to Active Travel 

Beth Harding, Active School Travel Manager for ߣߣƵ, said:

“Jones Memorial Primary have gone above and beyond in making active travel an everyday part of school life. Being the first school in County Fermanagh to achieve the ߣߣƵ Gold Award is a fantastic achievement, and it truly shows a dedication to active travel.

“Walking, cycling or scooting to school increases activity levels amongst children, reduces congestion at the school gate, and leads to more enjoyable journeys for families.”

Jones Memorial Primary school achieved the prestigious ߣߣƵ Gold award back in June for showing continuous high standards in sustainable travel but were only able to receive the award today due to Covid-19 restrictions. In recent years the school has been working extremely hard with ߣߣƵ to achieve this award and it has been a whole school effort from staff, pupils and the school community.

School thrilled at award

The pupils are delighted with their school’s success. Oscar from P6 said:

“I enjoyed completing our organised walks as it was a good chance to get to school with my friends and earn rewards in doing so. I come from a walking family and I love being outdoors, it’s a win win for me!”

Starting my day off with a walk is a brilliant way to get ready for my learning
Pola, in P6 at Jones Memorial PS

Mrs Isherwood, School Principal said they are all ‘thrilled’ with the award.

“We have been faithful and enthusiastic about our commitment to the development of the ߣߣƵ Active School Travel Programme throughout the school. Pupils have benefited tremendously from being more active and we have seen a continued rise in numbers with each event that is promoted.”


Read more about the Active School Travel programme in Northern Ireland

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