Saltersgate gear up to get ‘Whole School on Wheels’ 09/12/2011

Saltersgate School in Dalkeith are gearing themselves up to get the ‘whole school on wheels’ as part of a new Bike Club project in the school. The school provides education for Primary and Secondary aged children from across Midlothian who have additional learning needs.

Earlier this year a group of pupils organised their own sponsored bike ride and raised £300. This was used to buy new parts for some of their existing bikes and trikes to fix them up and get them back on the road.  Staff from the school, Mrs Higgins, Miss Young and Mr Rose, wanted ‘cycling’ to become embedded as part of educational and social opportunities for all students throughout the school.

Through support and funding from Bike Club, Saltersgate were successful in securing £2040. On top of this local ASDA Store the Jewel raised £426 in store to contribute to the project.  Bike Club Officer Amy Hickman and ASDA Community Colleague Kerin Mcleod recently visited the school to present a cheque.

Bike Club funding has allowed Saltersgate to buy some second hand mountain bikes from Midlothian council and some trikes so more pupils can access cycling. The funding will also be used for staff training including maintenance and Bikeability Scotland.

This cycling project will allow access for students to play and ‘socialise on wheels’ in the playground at break and lunchtimes. Class teachers will also have opportunities to teach pupils how to ride bikes and develop their cycling skills during class time. In the long term the school will be able to offer trips along the local cycle path, have activity day cycle trips and offer bike maintenance skills for interested student

Mrs Higgins is really excited about this project and said the Bike club within Saltersgate School will support many of our fundamental aims.  Supporting each student to develop their cycling, also develops important life skills. It enables access to physical activity and recreation and develops independence on wheels promotes confidence, self-esteem and opportunities.