It’s that time of year again when we proudly welcome Martin and his fantastic colleagues from Bikeability to Woodlands Meed for their much-anticipated, week-long cycling course for our Year 8 students.  It’s a firm favourite in both our sporting but also our academic calendars—and for good reason!

Whether students started as confident cyclists, complete novices, or required adapted cycles to take part, this week was tailored to every individual.  With our own stock of two-wheelers, tricycles, and even a wheelchair-accessible bike, we were already well-prepared.  But with the instructors bringing an even greater variety of adapted cycles, it meant that every single student had the opportunity to take part fully—and that’s what made the week so special.

We saw students who began the week with real anxieties around cycling not only trying out different cycles but finishing the week riding independently on trikes and the ever-popular mobos. Others who had previously struggled with balance on two-wheelers were confidently zooming across the school field by the end of the week!

Some of our students even ventured onto the roads for the very first time, while our more experienced riders took things up a notch, learning about road safety and applying those skills around the streets near school.  Every single student made progress—and we couldn’t be prouder!

This incredible progress wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the Year 8 staff team.  Since September, they’ve built strong, trusting relationships with their classes, rooted in mutual respect.  This foundation allowed students to feel safe, encouraged, and ready to step outside their comfort zones.  Their presence, encouragement, and hands-on support throughout the week were absolutely key to the successes we witnessed.

And of course, a huge thank you must go to Martin and his team, who bring more than just bikes—they bring what can only be described as a touch of magic!  Their unique combination of knowledge, patience, humour, and kindness creates the perfect environment for our students to thrive.  Their approach isn’t something you can teach—it’s something truly special and we feel very privileged to include them as part of our community.

But none of this would be possible without our incredible students.  You were focused, determined, willing to listen and push yourselves.  Your hard work and positive attitudes were inspiring to see, and you impressed us all with every rotation of the wheel!  From first wobbles to fearless rides, this week was a powerful reminder that when students are believed in, they believe in themselves—and that’s where the real magic happens!