Pupils challenge themselves on track

Alexandra Primary pupils William Gray (5, left) and Jackson Hyslop (13) cruise along the school's new scooter track. Photo: Jono Edwards
Alexandra Primary pupils William Gray (5, left) and Jackson Hyslop (13) cruise along the school's new scooter track. Photo: Jono Edwards
A new scooter track at Alexandra Primary is the newest way the school lets children self-manage risk.

The whole school raced around the asphalt circuit when it was opened this week, after a year of planning.

Principal Adele Gott said it was another way in which the school taught children the ''self-management'' of risk.

Several children would ''fly off'' on a particularly steep part of the track, but that helped them learn and adjust, she said. A net was also placed on that particular section.

The school allowed children to climb trees, and even have ''conker wars'' in which they threw horse chestnuts at each other, she said.

''Yes I imagine we're fairly unique in that way. I do think schools have become a bit too PC, but that often comes from the parents.''

The school seldom encountered that problem, as parents were often attracted to it because of its values.

''The senior children are talking about making portable ramps and jumps to make the track even more challenging.''

Children who were more adventurous outside, were more adventurous when it came to learning, she said.

The track was also intended to encourage children to exercise.

''Research says there has been a decline in kids scootering and biking to school.''

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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