Just a Journey

The resource presents a variety of situations and dilemmas to help children understand the implications and consequences of their own choices, as well as encouraging safer attitudes and behaviours as road users.

The resource comprises:
• A CD
• 416 pupil worksheets: each of the 26 written scenarios is accompanied by 16
photocopiable worksheets, two for each subject area.
• Teachers’ notes: a comprehensive guide with a range of extension activities, road
safety information and curriculum links.

DVD
Carefully designed for use on an interactive whiteboard or PC with a whole class, small groups, pairs or individuals.

Six filmed scenarios covering the major road safety themes: in-car safety, safer crossing, cycle safety, conspicuity, pedestrian safety and using public transport.

Interactive activities: five multiple-level games and activities for a range of abilities. These include Hawk Eye (a ‘spot the difference’ challenge); Gridlocked (in which the children reassemble jumbled pictures of road signs); Mission: Memory (in which children test their memories, based on the film clips); Street Life (in which children answer cross-curricular questions with a road safety theme) and Word Wizard (an interactive wordsearch).

26 printable scenarios: one scenario for each letter of the alphabet, each covering all key road safety topics relevant for this age group.

Printable activities: fun quizzes for a range of abilities

Well researched
From its conception ‘Just a Journey’ was intended as the next progressive building block of provision of road safety educational resources.

It was designed as a UK-wide resource and was researched and developed over a two year period, to fit all UK cross-curricula objectives, as road safety is not a part of the core curriculum. In this way it underwent intense checks and auditing to ensure its educational suitability.

The films and stories, both copy and content, were all tested, trialled and amended in collaboration with teachers, parents, advisors, health and safety professionals, together with road safety professionals throughout the development period. The potential reach of the resource, whatever socio-economic grouping, environment, race or ability was a guiding part of the content, so detailed research was carried out as to multi faith, race and environment.

The launch of the resources to road safety professionals was followed by dissemination of the resource free to all KS2 schools in London (funded by Transport for London), and promoted partnership working at the outset of the project, encouraging maximum spread of the messages.

Copies have also been purchased by local authorities in Scotland, Wales and England, as well as being in use throughout primary schools in Calderdale, Lancashire, the Isle of Man, Dublin City Council and many other areas.

The resource is supported by an informative, dedicated website where professionals, pupils and parents across the UK can go for further information; road safety tips for parents, guidance for teachers on how to get the best use from the resource, and a dedicated pupil section. The website has seen a consistent growth in hits month on month, and as part of ongoing research there is an on-line questionnaire that teachers can fill in.

In its current format it is suitable for use throughout the UK, particularly in cities and large conurbations, and little adaptation of the material could allow customisation for a global audience.

Awards
• Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards 2009 (road safety education and training category).
• IVCA Silver Award for Education
• IVCA Clarion Award for interactive Media
• Videographer Awards – Award of Excellence for Interactive Category