March 2014

The know zone

  • Do the right thing
    Four recommendations in the recent report on whistleblowing by charity Public Concern at Work are particularly significant for schools and colleges, says Richard Bird. More
  • Save and prosper
    In tough times, ‘resourceful resourcing’ comes into its own. Val Andrew offers business managers a guide. More
  • Fresh look for inspections
    Suzanne O’Farrell examines the implications of changes to Ofsted’s subsidiary guidance and handbook and looks ahead to the new framework scheduled for September. More
  • Post-16 committee
    The focus in this Leader is on ASCL Council’s Post-16 Committee, which has a wide-ranging remit that includes all aspects of post-16 education in schools and colleges. More
  • Great aspirations
    Kathryn Podmore is Principal of Birkenhead Sixth Form College, an active member of several education bodies and chair of ASCL Council’s Post-16 committee. More
  • Ensuring complete representation
    From time to time ASCL Council co-opts members from groups that are under-represented to ensure that the views of all types of members are taken into consideration when debating policy. More
  • ASCL PD events
    Whole School Leadership of Teaching and Learning, Student Voice Beyond Student Councils, and Strategic Behavioural Management that Works More
  • Analyse this...
    What systems, processes and people do you need to help your staff develop their skills and their careers? Sue Bull and Vicky Bishop explain. More
  • Virtually University
    Virtually University (VU) links schools and colleges with universities via videoconferencing to help inform and inspire students with their HE choices More
  • Adding value
    Walk your way to improved health More
  • Poisoned chalice?
    Schools Minister David Laws recently announced a new programme to encourage ‘outstanding’ heads and school leaders to move into schools in challenging circumstances. Would you be willing to take on the challenge? Here, ASCL members share their views. More
  • Leaders' surgery
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums... More
  • Take Care?
    No matter the intention, what you call it or how you present it to students, Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCH More
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Adding value

Walk your way to improved health

Physical activity is essential for good health, from infancy to old age – however, a recent report, supported by the Department of Health, suggests that a large proportion of the population is not getting enough physical activity, and explains that if more people did so, this could potentially save approximately 37,000 lives a year in England. Walking can improve your well-being by helping you lose weight, reducing the risks of serious diseases such as diabetes and stroke, and helping you feel and look better.

Start slowly and try to build your walking regime gradually. To gain the health benefits from walking, it needs to be a moderate-intensity aerobic activity – in other words, it needs to be faster than a stroll. Begin every walk slowly and gradually increase your pace. After a few minutes, if you’re ready, try walking a little faster. Towards the end of your walk, gradually slow down your pace to cool down. Finish with a few gentle stretches, which will help improve your flexibility.

What a 60kg person could burn in 30 minutes^:

  • Strolling (2mph): 75 calories
  • Walking (3mph): 99 calories
  • Fast walking (4mph): 150 calories

CS Healthcare is ASCL’s preferred supplier for private medical insurance. For more information about CS Healthcare’s health insurance plans, including your first two months cover FREE*, visit www.ascl.org.uk/why-join/benefits/added-value or call 0800 917 4325‡

^ Source: At least five a week, Department of Health, 2004

* Terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

‡ Calls may be recorded and monitored for training, quality assurance purposes and/ or the prevention and detection of crime.

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