Education

Created and delivered by a qualified teacher, our workshops and assemblies ensure young people learn the most important safety messages about the railways and gain confidence to travel by train. Our visits are free of charge and available to education settings within our project area.

We aim to:

raise awareness of rail trespass and its consequences.
deliver age-appropriate content
link to National Curriculum Citizenship and PSHE objectives.
prepare your students for independent travel.

What to expect from a rail safety session

KS1 workshop – A 45-60 minute session based around the story Arlo’s Adventures. The children will help Arlo to stay safe as he uses the railway through an interactive story and associated games. All children will take home a copy of the Arlo’s Adventure story book. This workshop can be adapted for Reception classes.

KS2 workshop – A 60 minute session focussing on the dangers and consequences of trespassing on the railway. We will consider different scenarios; identify the risks and decide on the best course of action to stay safe. Children will be given time to reflect on their learning and make a pledge to stay safe when using the railway.

KS3 workshop – A 60 minute session exploring trespass, the associated dangers and consequences. This workshop encourages young people to reflect on factors that influence their decision making. We look at different scenarios consider pressures our behaviour risks.

KS4 workshop – A 60 minute session exploring trespass, the associated dangers and consequences. We look at different scenarios and reflect on the pressures that influence our behaviour and the risks. We consider the wider effects of trespass on different individuals and groups in the community.

Whole School/Key Stage Assemblies – A 20-30 minute presentation covering the key rail safety messages.

All children will be provided with a sticker and bookmark at the end of the visit.

Next steps

Once a class have completed a rail safety workshop, they will be eligible for a fully funded trip on the railway. Possible destinations include Locomotion at Shildon, The Hippodrome at Darlington, The Auckland Project, Saltburn and Preston Park. Our Education Officer, Jess, would accompany you on the trip for the rail travel element to support staff and pupils. Please contact us for further information and to discuss your needs.

Your school may wish to become recognised for excellent rail safety learning. The Rail Safe Friendly Award is an excellent scheme to acknowledge and promote your school’s commitment to railway safety education. Further information can be found at www.railsafefriendly.com

Get in touch to find out more

We are keen to visit more schools along the Bishop Line to increase rail confidence to students of all ages, so if you would like to find out more please contact our rail education officer Jess on rail.education@bishopline.org.