Bikeability

Last week our Year 5 and 6 children battled wind and rain in their quest to achieve their Bikeability certificates. The cyclists have been working with the cyclist instructors from 'Cycle Confident' in readiness for taking on many more cycle challenges with their new knowledge about staying safe while cycling . The weather stopped their final day of training and hopefully the instructors will be back soon to complete this with the children. 

Well done to you all we are very proud of you!

"Bikeability was great because I learned new skills like doing a U turn."

Kezia, Maple Class 

"I love cycling and do lots of cycling at the weekends with my Grandad. Now I have loads of new skills and am a much more confident cyclists."

Aisling, Maple class

Redbridge Cycle Centre 2018

We were delighted to take our More Able Y6 cyclists to the Redbridge Cycling Centre to apply their skills... and establish who is Top Gun in the Mead vs Broadford Federation Challenge. We believe it is vital to keep raising the bar for the pupils and placing them in challenging contexts to implement what they have learnt.

Redbridge CC is a fantastic facility for cyclists of all abilities, from families to competitive riders. The Centre has purpose built road, BMX & off road tracks.

I couldn't believe how steep the Hoggenburg Hill was! Phil had told us that it would be a great place to use our gear skills... but it took a lot of puff.
Charlie - Broadford

Having completed their Ready to Ride checks with their bikes and equipment, the children had a chance to explore the road track, before embarking on a series of speed and control challenges.

We really saw why the skill of changing gears is so important in a race. When you are going downhill you need to change gears to help you pedal and go as fast as possible. However when the slope kicks in, you have to change gears again quickly so you don't lose momentum. If the person in front of you got it wrong you could quickly catch them up!
Stefan - Mead

It was a close fought competition, but there wasn't a doubt about the winner... Mead! Well done to Stefan, who finished a clear metre in front of the first Broadford bike - Martin.

The cycling curriculum at Broadford & Mead is a great example of how a school can help foster a love of a sport in children. I have worked with these children for four years. To see their confidence on a bike - and that competitive spirit is delightful

Phil Myrlea - Cycling Coach

Bikeability Riders

Our latest batch of Bikeability Level 2 cyclists have just completed their road trials. Now that they have shown their competency in a range of challenges they are ready to collect their badges.

What does Level 2 Involve?
Level 2 takes place on local streets, giving trainees a real cycling experience. Trainees learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school or the local shops. Trainees are usually trained in small groups – up to 6 trainees per instructor – though individual training may also be available. At Level 2 you can:

• prepare for on-road cycling
• start and finish an on-road journey
• recognise typical hazards
• let others know what you are about to do
• know where to ride on the road
• pass parked vehicles and side roads

It was hard at first. You have to be able to ride really slowly and control your bike. However I kept practising and now I can signal without wobbling.

Haliya - Year 5

100% of the pupils taking part said that it had made them more confident riders

85% of the pupils who completed the certificate had never ridden on the road before

100% said that they now knew how to handle traffic when on the road

Walkers' Breakfast

In the week before half term our JTAs (Junior Travel Ambassadors) set up a Walkers Breakfast to reward those pupils who have been getting to school without the help of a car!

WOW rewards primary school pupils who walk to school at least once a week with a monthly collectible badge. However at Broadford we want to go bigger than this...

• Walkers' Breakfasts
• Walking competitions - which the staff won in 2016 against other school staff teams!
• Sponsored events
• JTA assemblies on the benefit of healthy lifestyles and sustainable travel

Did you know that the WOW badges are designed by pupils in our annual badge design competition and made in the UK from recycled yoghurt pots?

Well done to all of the pupils who qualified for a breakfast! The official count showed that the number of walkers was up by 13% this year!

Year 3/4 Learn to Ride

At Broadford, we are proud of the way that we promote cycling and road safety awareness to our children.

For the past five years, as a school we have organised Bikeability workshops for our year 5 and 6 children. Before Christmas, we had a very successful Bike and Scooter day for our Yr 1 and 2 children.

NOW…. our Year 3 and 4 children, who already own bikes, will be given the opportunity to take part in a ‘Learn to Ride’ programme. This will be the ideal time to ditch those stabilisers!  If your child lacks a bit of confidence or is a bit wobbly going around corners – this workshop would benefit them immensely.  

With 150 children in Yr 3 and 4, we suspect this workshop will be oversubscribed, so the places will go on a first come first serve basis. However, if your child is unsuccessful the first time, we will be running another workshop in the Summer term.

Please remember in order to give your child the best chance to learn ride, you will need to make sure that their bikes are in good condition and tyres are pumped up. 

Remember No Stabilisers and safety helmets are essential.

Our first workshop will take place on Tuesday 21st March 2017, if you would like your child to take part in this valuable learning activity, please complete the slip the children have received today and return to Miss Cook by Friday 3rd March.

We're In The Paper: Cycling Superstars

We are in the paper this week! A roving reporter from the Yellow Advertiser was travelling to an assignment when they spotted our pupils in the road practising and applying their skills from the Bikeability Course. Not one to miss the chance for a story, they stopped and took some great pictures of our pupils in action.

What is Level 2?

Level 2 takes place on local streets, giving trainees a real cycling experience. Trainees learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school or the local shops. Trainees are usually trained in small groups – up to 6 trainees per instructor – though individual training may also be available. At Level 2 you can:

• prepare for on-road cycling
• start and finish an on-road journey
• recognise typical hazards
• let others know what you are about to do
• know where to ride on the road
• pass parked vehicles and side roads

Make sure you get your copy!

We're In The Paper: Reading League Champs!

This week the Romford Recorder ran a story about our Reading Champions. They have all worked hard to top Miss Sparkes's league for the Autumn Term.

As a reward they earned tickets to the Revolution Cycling track event at the Olympic Velodrome.

I have read everyday with the reading competition. It has been a lot of fun!
Harley

I really enjoyed the challenges set by Miss Sparkes. It has helped me to understand more about the characters in the books.
Lillie Mersh

We're In The Paper: Cycling Experience!

In the Yellow Advertiser this week we had a great article about the latest cohort of Bikeability pupils. This Level 2 qualification means that the pupils will now be able to access our wider cycling curriculum which involves: trips to Redbridge Cycle Track, an experience at the velodrome and the chance to go on local trips to explore cycle paths.

I have learnt how to be much steadier on my bike so that I can signal and steer at the same time!
Caitlin

Bikeability Level 1&2

These children have completed their bikeability training and received their level 1&2 cycling awards.

Levan Towe-Enu, Sienna Nickson, Martin Wicher, Charlie Green, Caitlin Bowden, Ellis Curtis-Rich, William Illot, Tony Marshall, Harley Boland, Mitchell West, Sam Doidge, Abbie Sullivan, Jacob Owsley, Jack Eve, Ellie-Mae Wager, Arhaan Kaushal, Jessica Sampson, Shane Kirk, Sami Hatton

Super Cyclists!

This week Phil took our more able cyclists on a bike ride out towards Brentwood, through the Harold Wood Park and Pages Wood.

We believe that these opportunities give the pupils a meaningful chance to apply and test their skills from Bikeability. It is also a valuable chance to realise the great cycle routes that exist on their doorstep.

We managed to go a very long way, through woods and on the roads. When I first did these rides I found it difficult to keep up. I am much stronger now and can't believe how far we get!
Natalie Towner - Year 6

Free Cycling Sessions - October Half Term

The London Borough of Havering is offering free cycle training again this October half term.

Stuck for things to do this half term, then this is a great free opportunity for you to take advantage of.

Learn to Ride training (for complete beginners and wobblers)

Monday 25^th Oct – 9-11am & 2-4pm

Tuesday 26^th Oct – 9-11am & 2-4pm

Wednesday 27^th Oct – 9-11am & 2-4pm

Thursday 28^th Oct – 9-11am & 2-4pm

Bikeability Level 1 & 2 training (ages 9-11)

Monday 25^th Oct – Thursday 28^th Oct – 11.30am – 1.30pm

Location: MyPlace, 343 Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 9EN

To book free places please visit http://www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/havering/ or call Cycle Confident on 020 3031 6730.

Redbridge Cycle Centre

We were delighted to take our latest batch of Y5 cyclists to the Redbridge Cycling Centre to develop their skills. After completing their Bikeability Level 2, we believe it is vital to keep challenging the pupils and placing them in challenging contexts to develop their cycling skills.

Redbridge CC is a fantastic facility for cyclists of all abilities, from families to competitive riders. The Centre has purpose built road, BMX & off road tracks.

I couldn't believe how steep the Hoggenburg Hill was! Phil had told us that it would be a great place to use our gear skills... but it took a lot of puff.
Candice Blackwell

Having completed their Ready to Ride checks with their bikes and equipment, the children had a chance to explore the road track, before embarking on a series of speed and control challenges.

We learnt about why changing gears is so important in a race. When you are going downhill you need to change gears to help you pedal and go as fast as possible. However when the slope kicks in, you have to change gears again quickly so you don't lose momentum. If the person in front of you got it wrong you could quickly catch them up!
Isaac Wright

Now they have tackled these challenges the pupils are just about ready for the Olympic Cycle park!

Nothing to do over half term? How about a bike ride?

Bikeability Rides Information

To reward those primary schools which do great work in the borough to promote sustainable travel and its benefits, Havering Council is offering free places to pupils and parents on 12 local guided cycle rides led by qualified cycling instructors.

There are two route options, off-road with optional on-road sections, one starting and finishing from the Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre in Hornchurch and the other from RSPB Rainham Marshes.

There will be a friendly, supportive environment suitable for families and children, with two national standard instructors leading the rides (maximum 12 riders per ride).

Morning rides will meet at 10am for a 10.15am departure and 12pm finish.

Afternoon rides will meet at 1pm for a 1.15pm departure and 3pm finish.

Ingrebourne Valley rides meeting point:

Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre,

Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach,

Hornchurch,

RM12 6DF

Rainham Marshes rides meeting point:

RSPB Rainham Marshes,

The Visitor Centre,

New Tank Hill Road,

Purfleet,

RM19 1SZ

Riders are advised to bring a bottle of water and waterproof clothes with them, in case of hot weather or rain. Cycle helmets are also strongly recommended.

To book your free places please visitwww.havering.gov.uk/bikeabilityride where you will be asked to select your preferred dates from the choices available.

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and your booking confirmation will also include further information about the ride.

If you have questions about the rides please contactjohn.lynn@havering.gov.uk

Risk assessment and safeguarding

Bikeability Ride is delivered by qualified National Standards Cycling Instructors (NSIs) registered with the Department for Transport. Instructors will undertake a thorough site-specific risk assessment before each session and continue to assess risk throughout the session. A copy of risk assessment documentation will be available to you prior to the start of the session.

Bikeability Ride Information

To reward those primary schools which do great work in the borough to promote sustainable travel and its benefits, Havering Council is offering free places to pupils and parents on 12 local guided cycle rides led by qualified cycling instructors.

There are two route options, off-road with optional on-road sections, one starting and finishing from the Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre in Hornchurch and the other from RSPB Rainham Marshes.

There will be a friendly, supportive environment suitable for families and children, with two national standard instructors leading the rides (maximum 12 riders per ride).

Morning rides will meet at 10am for a 10.15am departure and 12pm finish.

Afternoon rides will meet at 1pm for a 1.15pm departure and 3pm finish.

Ingrebourne Valley rides meeting point:

Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre,

Hornchurch Country Park, Squadrons Approach,

Hornchurch,

RM12 6DF

Rainham Marshes rides meeting point:

RSPB Rainham Marshes,

The Visitor Centre,

New Tank Hill Road,

Purfleet,

RM19 1SZ

Riders are advised to bring a bottle of water and waterproof clothes with them, in case of hot weather or rain. Cycle helmets are also strongly recommended.

To book your free places please visit www.havering.gov.uk/bikeabilityride where you will be asked to select your preferred dates from the choices available.

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and your booking confirmation will also include further information about the ride.

If you have questions about the rides please contact john.lynn@havering.gov.uk

Risk assessment and safeguarding

Bikeability Ride is delivered by qualified National Standards Cycling Instructors (NSIs) registered with the Department for Transport. Instructors will undertake a thorough site-specific risk assessment before each session and continue to assess risk throughout the session. A copy of risk assessment documentation will be available to you prior to the start of the session.

Biker's Breakfast

Friday 22nd April saw the end of the first week of The Big Pedal and was biker's breakfast day. Everyone who came to school on their scooter or bike received a healthy breakfast when they arrived. 

This week is the final week of The Big Pedal and Friday 29th April is our last biker's breakfast. Keep cycling and scooting everyday to make sure that Broadford reaches the top of the leader board.

Broadford is currently in 54^th place out of 148 in greater London. Over the past week 29% of pupils have been scooting or cycling to school. Let’s see if we can make it 50% by the end of this week!

The Big Pedal

Today was the first day of the big pedal 2016. Over 60 children travelled to school on their bikes or scooters today. We would love that number to double over the next two weeks.

Cycling or scooting to school is better for the environment and will ensure that you arrive at school ready to learn. Don't forget if you ride or scoot on a Friday you will be entitled to a biker's breakfast.

We hope to see you on your wheels tomorrow!

Big Pedal Event

The Big Pedal starts next week!
For the next two weeks we are going to be encouraging as many pupils to cycle or scoot to school as possible.

The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest interschool cycling and scooting challenge that inspires pupils, staff and parents to choose two wheels for their journey to school. Powered by Sustrans and funded by the Bike Hub, the 2016 challenge will run from 18 to 29 April and is open to individual classes as well as whole schools.

On each day of the challenge we will try to record the greatest number of pupils, staff
and parents cycling or scooting to school. Our school’s best five days will determine our final position, but we will aim to log journeys on all ten days.

To recognise the efforts of the pupils we will be having a Biker’s Breakfast on each of the Fridays.

The Big Pedal 2016

Monday 18th April - Friday 29th April

Get set… we’re taking part in The Big Pedal 2016, the UK’s largest inter-school cycling and scooting challenge that inspires pupils, staff and parents to choose two wheels for their journey to school.

Powered by Sustrans and funded by the Bike Hub, the challenge runs from 18 to 29 April. It’s free to enter and we would love everyone to be involved.

The details

On each day of the challenge schools compete to see who can record the greatest number of pupils, staff and parents cycling or scooting to school. Our best 10 days will determine our final position in the challenge. We’ll be competing against other schools right across the UK, and if we clock up the most bike and scooter journeys we’ll win!

Why we’re taking part

It’s a great way to get more of our pupils travelling to school on their bikes and scooters. We will be competing to become one of the UK’s top schools for two-wheeled journeys and will be in with a chance to win prizes including bike and scooter stunt shows, exciting days out with the YHA and fantastic cycle and scooter storage.

Journeys made by parents, guardians and siblings, known as supporter journeys, are also eligible for prizes. Schools with the most supporter journeys will be entered in to a prize draw to win one of 10 family passes from The National Trust. 

What’s next?

All you need to do is encourage your child(ren) to cycle or scoot to school every day during the event, and join them on their way – parent and sibling journeys count too! Please remember your bike helmets for safety and cycle locks for security. 

For more information about the event and details of prizes, go to www.bigpedal.org.uk

Please get in touch if you have any questions. Enjoy the ride!

Learn To Ride

Our Year 3&4 pupils had a great opportunity to get prepared for a summer full of bike rides! The fun Learn to Ride course is for children who need to learn how to ride their bike without stabilisers.

Because group sizes are kept small, everyone gets the maximum benefit from the session.
All our pupils has to provide was their pedal bike (without stabilisers) and the instructors did the rest.

The most amazing part of the day was seeing Jessica Diaz conquer her bike in just 15mins! Once she had achieved her balance we couldn't get her off!

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for my learn to ride session yesterday. I am now full of confidence and  I can't wait to go cycling in the park. I absolutely love it!”.
Jessica

“We are always blown away by how quickly the instructors can get the children riding! The look of pride on their faces at the end was lovely. A huge thanks to our fantastic instructor team!”
Mr Drakes - Headteacher

Redbridge Cycle Centre March 2016

Redbridge Cycling Centre is the facility where we are able to further develop our budding cyclists. The track allows all abilities to improve their skills.

Thanks to the centre's large stock of hire bikes including mountain bikes, road bikes & BMXs, we don't have to worry about the pupils not having the right equipment.

The hill was so steep! At the start of the session we had practised changing gears and how to get up inclines. It meant I did it without having to stop!
Kie Purse

Resilience
It is a long way round to cycle a whole lap and there are at least two steep hills. If you don't persevere it is very easy to give up and have a rest. 
Isaac Wright