SAFEMARK
Over 850 Wakefield District Year 6 pupils learn public transport skills.
Over 850 Year 6 pupils in the Wakefield District have been taking part in Junior SAFEMARK workshops, preparing them for the world of public transport, when they start secondary school.
Organised West Yorkshire Combined Authority Junior SAFEMARK is designed to provide 11 year-olds about to move up to secondary school with the skills and confidence to use public transport.
Safety
During the two-hour workshops, pupils discuss public transport scenarios, take part in a bus safety role-play and answer questions with the opportunity to win prizes. Topics covered include journey planning and using the Metro website to organise a trip, finding school bus information and timetables on the generationM website and interpreting timetables. The sessions also cover other ways to plan a journey and the importance of being able to find your way home safely.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Chair Cllr James Lewis said: �Many young people experience public transport for the first time when they start secondary school and our Junior SAFEMARK teaches them to use the network confidently and safely. As well as helping them get to and from school these sessions quite literally help these young people long their journey to greater independence.
Committed
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Chair Cllr Peter Box said: �Our transport system is important in enabling our young people to access school, further education and training and work and the Combined Authority is committed to developing an efficient and accessible network across West Yorkshire through the unique, �1bn West Yorkshire Transport Fund.
�But public transport is only of value if young people have the ability and the confidence to use it safely so I am pleased that these Wakefield district pupils have undergone the training.�
Letters inviting Year 6 classes to attend the free workshops are sent to every school in West Yorkshire. Anyone interested in your Year 6 pupils attending a SAFEMARK session can contact the booking team on 0113 2517 497 and find out more about it on the generationM website (opens in new window).