Highly Commended School of the Year, Castleview Primary in Niddrie, south-east Edinburgh, has been recognised for a year in which their Bikeability Scotland programme has been transformed.
Working together, Castleview Primary, Active Schools, Wider Achievement and Lifelong Learning, and the Bike Station have developed a programme that is beginning to have real impact on both pupils and their families.
Anna Martin (Bike Station), Success, Annie Tames (CV PSA), Newal, Jakub and Mark Foster (Wider Achievement and Lifelong Learning).
We visited during a morning of Bikeability Scotland training to see the transformation ourselves and to talk with Annie Tames (Castleview Pupil Support Assistant), Mark Foster (Wider Achievement and Lifelong Learning), Anna Martin (Bike Station) and P7 pupils Success, Newal and Jakub.
Let’s set the scene. Where are we?
Anna: We are at Castleview Primary School, which is in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh. The school has got some amazing kids. Kids that just want to learn new things, especially cycling. And they're determined to learn. They're absolutely determined and they've done very well over the past year.
Tell us about the Bikeability programme at the school?
Mark: It’s a really good school to work with. They really promote cycling opportunities within the school. One of the really good things about working with the school is its very inclusive approach. So, people who can't ride a bike yet get to learn to ride a bike, but also those who are more competent, they get to progress onto the road and learn those skills as well.
It's a really inclusive approach and we've been able to do that because there's been a partnership approach. The school is on board, Active Schools are on board, the Bike Station as well, and myself in my department [Wider Achievement and Lifelong Learning].
One of the really good things about working with the school is its very inclusive approach. So, people who can't ride a bike yet get to learn to ride a bike, but also those who are more competent, they get to progress onto the road and learn those skills as well.
Tell us a little bit about how the Bike Station fits in?
Anna: We've got funding at the Bike Station and we can use it with schools in Edinburgh. Castleview is one of the schools that we've been working with for over a year. We've seen a lot of kids and they've all improved. There has not been a child that hasn't done good. We're very happy and we just like to see them enjoy it, because it's hard work, but they also enjoy it.
How is it for someone learning to ride?
Success: It's been a privilege working with Anna because I didn’t know how to ride a bike before, but they encouraged me because it's hard for me to balance on the bike and pedal as well.
How does it feel to be recognised by the Bikeability Scotland awards?
Annie: Well, I think it's amazing. Because that's why we're here today. It's amazing. I was absolutely delighted when I got the email.
Why do you think Castleview has stood out?
Anna: I think because they've worked really hard and they've proved themselves. We can all see that they want to achieve something and they're not giving up.
I would like to see them cycling in the future. I think it would be nice to see them at some point in life, to pass them on the street, on their bikes, promoting those skills and passing them on to others.
Is it good being outside and away from their desks?
Annie: Yeah, I think being out in nature in general is a good idea for kids. It keeps them active and motivated. I think being out with Mark and learning a skill that they might not necessarily get to learn at another time is also good for them. And then they go in and they speak about it to other people. And I think it just continues on in that way.
Are there memorable moments that stick with you?
Mark: At the final session of the group last year, we were out cycling in the pouring rain. I don't think it was something you would expect to happen, but they were just so keen to spend more time cycling. They were out there getting absolutely drenched and, I suppose, that's a sign of success.
Why is Bikeability training important?
Annie: We've constantly got cars coming up and delivery vans, so they have to adjust to that. It's more to get their awareness skills for the streets. The turns of the corners and things like that, which they might have not looked at before. Getting that through Bikeability, even walking on foot if they're not doing it on a bike. They're aware that corner is a sharp corner, or that corner is a black one. So, they are learning a skill about their streets and the surroundings of the school and their houses, because they all stay local. It's nice for them to have that.
I think it would be nice to see them at some point in life, to pass them on the street, on their bikes, promoting those skills and passing them on to others.
And what is it like to learn more about cycling?
Newal: At school when I learned, I learned new things like hand signs and ramps. It's fun.
What would you say to schools who don’t currently do cycle training?
Annie: I just think it's an absolutely amazing scheme. I really do. I was trained so I could help [with delivery]. I learnt a lots from it. There were things I didn't know. I'm now putting it onto the children alongside Mark and it's brilliant. I honestly do think it is a brilliant scheme. More schools should take it up.
Is it particularly important that cycle training is offered here at Castleview?
Mark: It's quite a disadvantaged area and not many of the children come with their own bikes. A lot of them borrow the school bikes. It’s giving children from these kinds of areas the opportunity to cycle and to develop their cycling and that's not something that's always present unfortunately. It's really good that we target places like this to try and equalize the opportunities.
What would you like to see in the future?
Anna: I would like to see them to continue once they've all learned their skills in the playground and on roads. I would like to see them cycling in the future. I think it would be nice to see them at some point in life, to pass them on the street, on their bikes, promoting those skills and passing them on to others.
And where would you like to get to on your bike in the future?
Newal: I want to cycle to the Commonwealth Pool. It's not too far. 20 minutes with a bike.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. A longer audio version is available.