On Wednesday (27 November) Bristol Grammar School – represented by BGS teacher Mr Keen, Head of HR Mrs Granville, Sixth-former Belnice, and Alex and Jacob from Year 9 – attended the Modeshift STARS Regional School Travel Awards 2019.
The awards, which took place at Bristol’s Everyman Cinema, recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.
We are delighted that BGS was named ‘Bristol Secondary School of the Year’. Several schools were put forward for the award, submitting a portfolio of the steps they had taken, but only BGS and Cotham School reached the final.
The award recognises the hard work of the BGS Travel Consultation Group and the Environmental Society and the staff who have supported them. Thanks to their efforts, the School has already earnt Modeshift Bronze accreditation and we are working towards gaining Silver.
With pupils travelling to BGS from across a wide area, we know that reducing travel by car will always be a challenge. However, we are proud of the steps we have taken and the impact they have made to date.
Events such as BGS Infants and Juniors ‘Walk to School Week’ and going car free for #FutureClimateFriday encouraged staff and pupils to consider alternative travel methods.
Some car parking spaces have been removed and replaced with play space, while the number of bike parking spaces has been increased massively.
Pupils are regularly engaged in road safety discussions, and cycling lessons have been introduced as part of Year 7 activities, helping to give pupils the confidence to make their way safely to school.
Staff cyclists and walkers have dedicated changing facilities, showers and lockers, and the opportunity for an annual on-site bike service on INSET day. There has also been the opportunity to trial an electric bike, to encourage those who may be put off by traditional cycling.
Speaking about the award, pupil and Travel Consultation Group member Belnice said:
"I’m so proud that BGS has been recognised for our efforts to stay eco-friendly. It really just goes to show how much of a difference we can all make by changing the way we commute. I hope this award inspires other students in our community to walk and cycle to school."