Travel Training

Developing independence and confidence with Travel Training

Year 10 students at Poltair School have recently taken part in a programme known as Travel Training, which sees them learning how to travel independently to Plymouth and around Cornwall using either a bus or train.

This group of students had been identified as needing additional support to use public transport and experiences relating to post 16 providers and the world of work. They were apprehensive about using public transport independently, often reliant on family to transport them which was limiting options when seeking a work experience placement.

The aim of the Travel Training programme is to raise aspirations, develop independence, and enable informed post-16 decision making.

Boarding a Bus.Students used the opportunity to establish an understanding of local travel routes as well as build on their confidence when it comes to using public transport. They also discussed road safety and identified potential dangers when travelling independently.

Rebecca Rodgers, Learning Centre Coordinator & Deputy Pupil Premium Lead at Poltair, said: “The students had to learn to read timetables, plan their visits and buy the cheapest travel ticket, ensuring they were also able to repeat for a return journey.”

“This has highlighted the importance of delivering life skills as well as academics to children and young people to ensure they develop confidence and character (our school vision).”

“Not only has it supported with developing resilience and independence it has also stretched aspirations and provided motivation for future outcomes.”

The programme consisted of several sessions in school followed by four off-site visits to: Treliske Hospital, Truro, National Maritime Museum, Falmouth, City Bus Depot, Plymouth, First Aid Training in School (Certificate Awarded) and Newquay Orchard.

Once the students arrived at their destination they had the opportunity for guided tours, employability talks and a question-and-answer session with employers. A journal was completed, and targets set, providing the students with a broader understanding of the opportunities available when they have completed their GCSEs.

A parent of one of the Year 10 students involved said: “I would like to thank you. He has a negative outlook sometimes. These experiences have helped with his confidence.”

“I feel that these experiences have helped him to process how to use public transport and what might be out there when he finishes school.”

One student said: “I had an awesome 2 days at Hawkins. I also caught the bus home using our travel training!”

Another said: “"I feel more confident asking drivers for a ticket and have learnt how to read a timetable."

A further added: “It would be great if we could do planes next, I think I would like to travel the world now.”

Following the success of the original Travel Training program as well as this bespoke week, the team are now hoping to offer a three-year program to students who may need additional support when learning to use public transport.

Rebecca concluded: “The hope is that we can provide Travel Training in Year 9 and begin building positive relationships with employers in preparation for work experience placements, followed by the Advanced Travel Training and Employability Skills in Year 10.”

“Students are now using buses and trains independently to visit friends and family, enjoy days out and are seeking further work opportunities.”

“As a school we are incredibly proud of their achievements and how they represented not only their selves but also the school with numerous providers commenting on their behaviour, engagement and maturity shown.”

Happy Travellers.