HEADTEACHER'S DOG INSPIRES NEW LESSON FOR URMSTON SCHOOL

22 Mar 2019 11:40
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

Walking the dog gave St. Antony’s Catholic College Headteacher Fiona Wright a bright idea to improve the health and well-being of her pupils.

 

 

“Why should this beautiful walk just be for me and Louis? Let’s take the children as well.”

 

Now as part of the Urmston’s school’s Personal Health Social Education (PSHE) programme, once a month, pupils, instead of their normal PHSE Lesson, take a three mile walk through the meadows and down by the river bank. 

 

Mrs Wright added: “When Louis comes too, we always get more volunteers.”

 

The aim is to get the computer generation away from their technology, if only for an hour, and introduce them to the calming, beautiful local countryside.

 

Mrs Wright, who lives a stone’s throw from the school, said: “Many people may think Urmston is an urban environment but far from it. We have some beautiful land and riverscapes and the space to roam and I want to make sure the children know all about what is on their own doorstep.”

 

She said: “Happy, relaxed children enjoy their lessons, work harder and achieve better results.”

 

The proof is clear, since her appointment five years ago first as Acting Head and since 2018 in the role permanently, results have improved year on year and are expected to rise again this year, with waiting lists now established in Year 7.

 

Mrs Wright: “I do some of my best thinking when I’m walking with Louis and I think he’ll having the same influence on the children.”

 

PICTURED:

 

St. Antony’s pupils and parents with Fiona Wright and Louis.

 

Pupils Jessica Willson (Left) and Daisy Medcalf with Fiona Wright and Louis.

 

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