Applefields School in York celebrate award success!

For the second consecutive year, Applefields School has proudly earned the Modeshift STARS Regional SEND School of the Year title for Yorkshire and the Humber.

This achievement is backed by an impressive 7% reduction in car usage since the school joined the Modeshift STARS Active Travel Ambassador (ATA) programme in 2022—a testament to their dedication to sustainable travel.

With the guidance of Regional Active Travel Ambassador Coordinator Jason McAleese and the support of teachers Mrs Richardson and Mrs Nogan, the Applefields Ambassadors have embraced the principles of sustainable travel. They have worked hard to build confidence in independent travel among pupils while raising awareness of the health and environmental benefits of sustainable travel.

Thanks to these efforts, the school has empowered its students to swap car journeys for sustainable alternatives like the school bus, sharing school taxis and Park and Stride, as reflected in their annual travel surveys.

One of the school’s proudest achievements is the strong passion for cycling among its Ambassadors, with the majority of Applefield’s satellite pupils eagerly taking part in Bikeability training each year. An increasing number of pupils are now determined to cycle independently to and from school, setting a positive example for their peers.

To celebrate their award, Modeshift teamed up with York City Council’s Bikeability instructors and held an Active Travel Breakfast that coincided with Bikeability training.

One of the pupils said “I have enjoyed Bikeability because the bike helps me unwind and enjoy the outdoors .  The instructor taught me how to be safe on the roads and gave me some useful tips for later life, like for driving and road awareness”.

In the new year, the pupils will visit primary schools to sell Be Bright reflective items and will launch their first Active Travel Newsletter.

Applefields’ commitment to creating a culture of active and sustainable travel continues to set an inspiring example for the region. The school will join other Regional winners at the Modeshift National  STARS Travel Awards in March 2025 at the prestigious Royal Society in London.