Junior School pupils trek across America in Virtual School Mission

Junior School pupils have completed a challenge set by The 401 Foundation which equates to travelling 14,000 miles across the United States. 

Junior School pupils have completed a challenge set by The 401 Foundation which equates to travelling 14,000 miles across the United States.

Pupils recorded their step count both in and outside school throughout the autumn term, getting friends and teachers involved to virtually travel across all 50 states of America.

As part of The 401 Foundation’s focus on improving physical and mental health, Junior 6 organised activities based on the GIFREC wellbeing indicators including running, zumba and meditation. They also organised special break and lunchtime sessions including dancing, a scavenger hunt across the Junior School and Halloween parties to boost step counts and get pupils moving.

Heather Fuller, Head Teacher of the Junior School, said:

Junior School pupils had all session to complete the Virtual School Mission to cross America and they have finished it by the end of the autumn term, which is quite the achievement!  

“The 401 Challenge, set by The 401 Foundation, has inspired our pupils by promoting and celebrating all facets of health and wellbeing and these healthy habits will stand boys and girls in good stead for life. I’m so proud of each and every pupil for giving it their all!” 

Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge, will be going the real distance in May 2022, where he will run and cycle 14,000 miles across all 50 US states in just 104 days. He is aiming to raise £500,000 in support of The 401 Foundation. The Virtual School Mission programme, rolled out across 126 schools in the UK, has given youngsters the chance to take part, get active and raise awareness of mental health.