CBS Primary School – Tralee, Co.Kerry
Fact File
CBS Primary School, Clounalour, Tralee, Co Kerry
Daily Mile Start Date: 6/11/2017
Number of children participating in The Daily Mile: 428 pupils
A brief description of our school
Our school is a large, diverse, urban school, which is located in the heart of Tralee town. The school is a co-educational school which caters for boys and girls from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. At present we have 18 classes in our school, and in excess of 400 children. We have 44 teachers, and 11 Special Needs Assistants in our school. One of our guiding principles is the achievement of high standards of education in our school. However, in keeping with the philosophy of developing the child as a whole person, we also emphasise the areas of Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Craft and Science.
Barriers faced starting The Daily Mile
We encountered very few barriers to implementing this initiative. We received fantastic support from Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership, who explained the initiative brilliantly, and their enthusiasm inspired our staff. We were initially concerned about all classes running together, as we feared it would be too busy, and we started by timetabling classes during the school day. However, we soon realised that this was unnecessary, as teachers liked the flexibility of going out at a time that suits their class best. Also, it wasn’t an issue when there were several classes running together.
Teachers have reported that concentration levels have improved since we started The Daily Mile initiative. Children are more focused, more awake and more interested in learning when they have completed the exercise. It also motivates students to complete tasks when they are dwindling – if they know they will be getting fresh air once they are finished!!
Benefits of The Daily Mile
The Daily Mile presents many opportunities for learning. We have calculated the distance we hope to have completed by the end of the school year, and identified the equivalent town in Ireland – we are hoping to run to Kildare town! WE are keeping track of our distances every day, and have made great links with Maths, Geography accordingly. The initiative also has natural links with the S.E.S.E and S.P.H.E curriculum, and reinforces the importance of looking after our bodies and getting daily exercise.
Learning impact
Teachers have reported that concentration levels have improved since we started The Daily Mile initiative. Children are more focused, more awake and more interested in learning when they have completed the exercise. It also motivates students to complete tasks when they are dwindling – if they know they will be getting fresh air once they are finished!!
Successful Curricular Links
The Daily Mile presents many opportunities for learning. We have calculated the distance we hope to have completed by the end of the school year, and identified the equivalent town in Ireland – we are hoping to run to Kildare town! WE are keeping track of our distances every day, and have made great links with Maths, Geography accordingly. The initiative also has natural links with the S.E.S.E and S.P.H.E curriculum, and reinforces the importance of looking after our bodies and getting daily exercise.
Individual Success Stories
A lot of our children are keeping track of their own individual progress, and have reported that they are improving the distance which they are running. They are setting personal goals quietly, and trying to improve every day.
We have a number of children with Special Educational Needs, and they are the real success stories of the Daily Mile initiative. As it is all inclusive, there is no reason why everyone can not take part to the best of their ability. We have a little boy in Senior Infants who is in a wheelchair, and he is able to take part , with the help of his Special Needs Assistant, much to his delight
Tips for Schools
Do not overthink it – the simplicity of the Daily Mile Initiative is the greatest attraction for schools. Make the decision today, and start tomorrow. You will learn by doing, and the perfect model for your school will only be found once you start. Keep it flexible for teachers!