Mr. Woodward writes, ‘We all know that running benefits our physical health, but the benefits to our mental health are sometimes overlooked. Year 10 and 11 found out how neuroscience has shown links between running and increased brain capacity, levels of concentration, focus and feelings of well-being through the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids. Having discussed the benefits of distance running in developing a resilient state of mind which keeps going despite difficulty, we put this knowledge into practice and went for a 12km run around the local fields, paths and tracks. The route was muddy. Really muddy. However, spirits only heightened as the mud and exhaustion levels rose, further proving the point the distance running in a natural environment is good for both the body and the mind: a vital lesson to be remembered by our GCSE students as the approach they progress exams next week and the “real thing” in just a matter of months. ‘