Gilwern School set off on an ambitious project to virtually run 55,000 kilometres to circumnavigate the world.

Since their launch on October 1, 2021, they have travelled from Wales overland to Copenhagen, Denmark and have been travelling down through Germany and over the Alps to Rome in time for Christmas.

This exciting project is the vehicle in realising the new exciting purpose driven curriculum in Wales. The school is at the forefront of curriculum design and recognises that it is at its most effective when working collaboratively with purpose.

Headteacher Roger Guy spent time earlier this week talking with learners about what they’ve learnt so far.

The youngest learners shared that they ‘loved learning about the Vikings in Denmark and can’t wait to get to Italy so they can make pizza!’ Another Foundation Phase learner said, “I really enjoy our Gilwern around the world project because it helps us all to stay fit”.

As the learners arrived in Rome they were joined on their journey by ‘The Merthyr Mermaid’ Cath Pendleton who shared with the children the journey of her artic mile swim as she clocked up 5km around the school track.

Her story inspired both learners and staff.

All the learners’ hard work was rewarded through local ice cream makers Sidoli who generously donated their authentic Italian ice cream for the children to enjoy.

The older learners were more reflective commenting that ‘one of our four purposes is to be healthy confident individuals and by running or walking everyday it makes sure we’re active.’ An encouraging reflection about the impact and legacy of the project was ‘this is probably going to inspire a lot of children to want to travel to different places when they’re older.’

As part of the project the school aims to raise money for a different charity for each 10,000KM of the journey. They are currently supporting Alzheimer’s UK and on Friday 3rd December parents were invited to help the learners clock up kilometres as part of their festive Elf Fun Run. So far the total raised stands at just over £1200.

Finally, Roger Guy stated: “Two months into the journey we are all realising what a big, exciting and diverse challenge we have set ourselves. However we know that our Gilwern ethos to nurture and empower all in our school and wider community will ensure we achieve our goal by July 2023.”

The new year will see the school head east wards into Greece and then onto Turkey. Follow their journey through their Youtube channel and Twitter account: @gilwern_school