Pupils prepare for secondary school

More than 800 pupils from 16 schools are having lessons on travelling by bus, train, bike and on foot in readiness for the step up to big school.

The aim of the project is to give year 6 pupils the skills to travel to and from their new schools safely and independently, building their confidence and helping them with the transition into young adults.

It also highlights the importance of reducing traffic congestion and improving the environment around schools.

The Local Motion team at Darlington Borough Council has been running transition training sessions with 10 and 11-year-olds around the borough.

Staff have been coaching the children in issues such as road safety, and cycle repair and maintenance.

They have also been looking at journey planning and understanding public transport information.

“Our pupils really value this opportunity as they approach the end of their time at primary school,” said Pamela Leonard, who co-ordinated the training at Rydal Academy.

“It’s really great seeing them completing complex tasks that even some adults would find a struggle.

“This is the beginning of an important change in their lives and this session gives them a bit more confidence in facing that challenge.”

The sessions give students practical experience in tasks such as changing a bike tyre, deciphering train timetables and map reading.

Road safety plays a big part as pupils learn about the risks of walking or cycling with headphones or looking at smart phones.

The training is running throughout Darlington primary schools until the end of June.

Local Motion aims to engage with the people of Tees Valley and South Durham to actively encourage walking, cycling, using the bus, train and any public transport that encourages a greener, healthier community.

The project is funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund and supported by the Tees Valley authorities.

For more information go to www.dothelocalmotion.co.uk