Bikeability is today’s cycle training programme. It’s like cycling proficiency, but better! It’s about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today’s roads. Bikeability gives everyone the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.

There are three Bikeability levels, each designed to improve cycling skills, no matter what is known already. Levels 1, 2 and 3 take trainees from the basics of balance and control, all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.

In year 5 this hald term, we are focusing on Levels 1 and 2.

Level 1

At Level 1 new riders learn to control and master their bikes in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park. Trainees will usually be trained in a group of 3-12, though individual training may also be available in your area. At Level 1 you can:

• prepare yourself and your bike for cycling
• get on and off your bike without help
• start off, pedal and stop with control
• pedal along, use gears and avoid objects
• look all around and behind, and control the bike
• share space with pedestrians and other cyclists

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

Find out more information at this website http://bikeability.org.uk/

Today Year 5 visited the Ragged Museum, the first one built in the UK, to learn about how children were educated during the Victorian times. 

 First they experienced a Victorian lesson, with an extremely strict teacher and learn how to write in script. A couple of lucky children also got to use the the finger stocks and a back straightener for fidgeting and slouching. 

 Later, the children were shown a Victorian kitchen and they learnt about the different tools they had, such as the wringer, and how people would have lived. 

 Would you like to be a child in the Victorian times? 

Some of our year 4 and 5 children were invited by Acton High School to participate in an event called Eco Warriors. They raised our awareness about sustainability and encouraged everyone to be good at recycling and saving energy. We were encouraged good habits for the future. See the results below.

On Monday and Tuesday,  November 21st and 22nd, Year 5 went on a school trip to a Japanese Buddhist Temple called The Three Wheels in Acton Town. This trip was planned to extend children’s knowledge and understanding on the topic they are currently studying, Buddhism.

First of all they went to look at the garden – it was very calm and tidy! If you want to know more about the garden, click here

In the temple house, it was nice and quiet and they heard from Professor Sato who told them facts about Buddhism. It was extremely interesting!

To know more about Three Wheel, please click here.