PHOTOS: Dingwall Academy wellbeing walk allows pupils to 'build relationships and get things off their chest'
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The annual Dingwall Academy wellbeing walk gives pupils a chance to 'get things off their chest, reflect on the term, and build relationships with staff'.
The eight mile walk, which takes place before the school's October holidays is a tradition that has been 'on the go for a long time' at the Ross-shire academy.
The walk, organised by principal teacher of physical education Ali Mackay and principal teacher of music Ross Brindle, loops from the academy, up to the MacDonald Monument, down through Pitglassie, through Maryburgh Woods and back to Dingwall Academy. Pupils are then rewarded with a barbecue on their return to the school, organised by Ms Wendy Harrison, with refreshments and food donated from the local community.
Ali Mackay said: "It's definitely a good way to round off the term for us – it's a great opportunity for the kids to get out and spend some time with their friends, and to spend some time with the staff as well. While walking around with staff, they get opportunities to build relationships with along the way, as well as staff getting to know each other a bit better as well.
"It takes a lot of organisation and planning, but if there was an opportunity to do more of it in school I'm sure that the staff and kids would appreciate it.
"The students are very positive about the walk, they look forward to it, and with it being new to the first year's they get quite excited about it. And our S6 pupils actually marshal the event, so they always look forward to that, its a chance to for them to give something back to the school in s6.
"It's 100% something I'd encourage other schools to do this as well – there are lost of positives, for mental health, for meeting other people, and a chance to get to know the staff. It's about having that opportunity to talk properly without the hustle and bustle of a school day.
"It also opens their eyes up to what's on their doorstep, because some of them aren't aware of these roads and tracks, so it gives them a few ideas for the October holidays for where they can go for walks.
"One of our music teachers Ross Pringle, plays a massive role in the organisation of it along with myself, so we'd really like to thank him as well as Ms Harrison, and all the staff for their efforts."
