Go-Ahead Group has launched Go-Learn, an education programme to help children improve their knowledge of public transport.
Go-Learn uses the theme of public transport to deliver resources which help pupils (aged four to 14) develop skills and confidence for independent travel. The resources, mapped against the National Curriculum, can be used to support literacy and numeracy (for ages four to seven and seven to 11) and elements of Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) and citizenship (for ages 12-14). Go- Ahead claims to be the only major UK transport operator to provide resources of this kind.
David Brown, Go-Ahead Chief Executive, said: “Our bus and rail services have a key role in the communities they serve and are an increasingly important mode of travel for the next generation. It’s important we equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to travel independently and with confidence on our buses and trains. Go-Learn is an ideal way of introducing young people to public transport and promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of using buses and trains rather than cars.”
Similar work is already carried out by Go-Ahead subsidiaries. The Plymouth Citybus ‘Dennis Dart’ programme promotes road safety and encourages safe bus use through visits to the majority of Plymouth’s primary schools.
James Lumber, Assistant Headteacher at Hamworth Middle School in Poole where Go South Coast operates, said: “Equipping young people with these skills should be on every school agenda. The Go-Learn materials give teachers a range of useful tools to get young people thinking about how buses and trains work and will really capture their interest.”
Go-Learn consists of fact sheets and worksheet topics which are free for teachers to download from Go-Ahead’s website. The material covers: D
- Different forms of public transport and their relevance in urban and rural settings
- Bus tickets (coins, change and working out fares)
- Environmental benefits
- Timekeeping and understanding timetables
- Safety when using public transport
- The causes, consequences and impacts of anti-social behaviour
- The importance of team work and communications in the workplace
To view and download the material visit www.goahead.com/go-learn
