Gateshead Healthy Schools

On Tuesday 18 July, five Gateshead schools became the first schools in the authority to gain the IMPETUS AWARD. School representatives received their certificates from Ann Nelson the National and North East Regional Co-ordinator, Maggie Atkinson Group Director Learning and Children, and Director of Children’s Services and the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Maureen Goldsworthy at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Gateshead.

The Impetus Award is an active citizenship award promoting values, rights and responsibilities.

The ‘Impetus’ projects give young people the opportunity to tackle real issues in their schools and local community. The Award is promoted by the Citizenship Foundation, C.S.V and the Institute for Global Ethics.

The five schools to receive the award were Harlow Green Community Infant School for its Stepping Out Together project; Kells Lane Primary School for its Student Council Enterprise, Fell Dyke Community Primary School for its Healthy Communities Breakfast Club, Glynwood Community Primary School for their Male Family members School Club and Tyne View Community Primary School for their Inclusion and Equal Rights project.

Director of Children’s Services Maggie Atkinson, said:

“This programme encourages pupils to develop the confidence and courage they need to put their shared values into practice in the local community. The classroom is a place to teach pupils academic subjects but it is also important that pupils take away a sense of responsibility and citizenship that will help to shape successful communities of the future�.

IMPETUS AWARDS 2006-2007

Schools are invited to send a representative to the Impetus Award briefing meeting to be held on Thursday 28 September 2006 at 4.15 – 5.45 at the Dryden Centre.

Schools who wish to register for the 2006-2007 Impetus Award are asked to contact Alun Davies Health Education Adviser, Raising Achievement at The Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Gateshead NE9 5UR – Tel: 0191 4338670.