March All Saints pupils aiming to be cleaner air stars

Pupils at All Saints Inter-church Academy are stepping up for cleaner air in March after watching a Cambridgeshire County Council funded theatre production.

Pupils watched the performance which had a strong message about the benefits of walking to school.

The production, Abbie Ayre and the Shed of Science, was part of the county council’s STARS and Junior Travel Ambassador Programmes for primary schools.

Pupils at schools across the county bid to have the show, and All Saints was one of the lucky schools. The show was designed to encourage more pupils to walk or cycle to school, with the aim of reducing air pollution around schools.

As well as avoiding unnecessary car journeys, the county council’s campaign is encouraging families to consider a number of different steps.

These include motorists turning off their vehicle’s engine while stationary, using public transport and at school drop-off and pick-up times, parking a little further away and walking to school.

Headteacher at All Saints, Mark Millinson said: “Improving air quality isn’t an easy task but if everyone plays their part and makes small changes, we can make a big difference.

"The show was a really engaging performance with a clear message which build on our children’s knowledge and their enthusiasm for this important issue which impacts everyone’s lives, both now and for the future.

"We already participate in STARS travel plans and the Junior Travel Ambassador initiatives and many of our families walk to school. The number who ride a bike or scooter to school is also impressive. I’m sure the production will persuade more pupils to walk to school. Our pupils know about the global goals for sustainability and they understand how their choices and actions impact the environment.

“We shall encourage them to use their voice to remind adults about the harmful effects of unnecessary car journeys on the quality of the air.”

All Saints holds National STARS Bronze level and is hoping to achieve the Silver Level Award in the near future.