Oakwood Integrated pupils help to launch new rail safety programme with Translink
Pupils from Oakwood Integrated Primary School in Derriaghy have helped Translink to launch their new rail safety programme.
Translink has partnered with Rail Safe Friendly, an accredited UK-wide programme, to help spread the vital message of rail safety in Northern Ireland. The new partnership also marks the launch of a new ‘Rail Cool Rules’ (RCR) campaign created by Translink and targeting P7 pupils.
With the primary aim of keeping young people safe when using or near the railway, the campaign brings rail safety to life through an animation video featuring Translink NI Railways employees plus engaging classroom activities.
The resources are now available for local primary schools to use in the classroom and cover the following 8 key topics: Platform Safety, Yellow Lines, Getting On & Off Services, Objects On Tracks, Respect, Level Crossings, Construction Sites and Train Speed.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “Safety underpins everything we do across our bus and rail network as we lead the transformation of transport in Northern Ireland - keeping our customers, staff, contractors and the wider public safe is always our top priority.
“By reaching young people, particularly before they head off to secondary level education and enjoy more independence, we can instil safe and responsible behaviour on and around the railway and wider public transport network reducing the risk of any incidents.
“Rail Cool Rules is designed to do this in a fun and memorable way, getting the audience to think about the simple steps they can take to stay safe. It provides teachers with a valuable in-classroom resource and supports the NI curriculum ‘Personal Development & Mutual Understanding’ area of learning."
Oakwood Integrated Primary School is the first school in Northern Ireland to use Translink’s Rail Cool Rules resources to complete the Rail Safe Friendly Programme and receive its Gold standard accreditation.
Teacher Maria McKenna said: “Our pupils enjoyed exploring the topic of rail safety using the Translink video resource and quiz activity to inspire further conversation about this important subject.
"Our school is situated near the railway line and 'Rail Cool Rules' is a quick and engaging way to raise awareness about safe and responsible behaviour when using train services, especially as pupils prepare to head into secondary level education.”