Children from Castle Primary School in Keynsham enjoyed their very own First West of England bus last week. The four and five-year-olds, some of whom had never been on a bus before, enjoyed learning about buses as part of their school transport project.
Before they set off, First West of England driver supervisor Ian Street and manager Chris Tanner chatted to the children about bus travel. Once on the bus, each child handed a ticket that they had made to Ian. They then took turns sitting in the driver’s seat and pretended to drive the stationary vehicle, while Ian explained that travelling by bus is a fun and easy way to get around.
Then it was off around Keynsham for a whistlestop tour with Ian at the wheel. The children enjoyed spotting familiar sights from the windows. The journey ended with the children ringing the bell for their school stop.
“We take buses into local schools to encourage children and their families to use the bus network, and to show children how to use buses safely and easily,” said Ian. “The children were lovely and it was great to hear their excitement all the way, from sitting behind the wheel to up on the top deck looking out the windows.”
“This was a great way for the children to learn outside of the classroom, while having a lot of fun,” said Reception teacher, Gemma Rowlands. “We are doing a literacy topic based on the book Naughty Bus and the trip was a great way to inspire the children and provide a stimulus for discussion. I’d like to say a big thank to Ian and First West of England for taking us out on such a special trip.”
The children loved the morning, with Oscar saying, “I liked being on the top floor, having a great view and looking out of the window at Puddleducks and the trees.”
Elliot added, “It was fun because I sat on the driver’s seat,” while Alma said, “The best bit was when it was moving. I saw the toy shop and the park.”