Rails to River: Baxter College’s Worcester Journey

Thanks to free train travel from West Midlands Railway and a free visit to Diglis Island & Fish Pass, every member of Baxter College’s Year 7 cohort – along with their school mascot – was able to build on their life skills and geographical knowledge and enjoy a fun day out in Worcester.

On Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th October, Imogen and Ellie travelled up to Kidderminster, where they met the students in their tutor groups and quizzed them on what they had learnt in their pre-travel rail safety workshops with Imogen. Their contributions and general attitude filled Platform with confidence about the day ahead. The extra challenge of departing from Kidderminster Station was that there is currently no yellow line on either platform. This was discussed with the students prior to entering the station and they all took extra care to leave sufficient space beyond the tactile paving.

On the outward journey, the school’s behaviour was excellent, whether chatting, snacking or on their phones. Those with devices all met Platform’s expectations for either using headphones/AirPods or turning the audio off, ensuring none of their fellow passengers’ rail experience was negatively impacted.

“I really enjoyed chatting with the students. We covered all the big topics, from their preferred social media platforms to what it was like growing up in Kidderminster and the benefits of having a train station in their hometown.” (Ellie Swain, Senior Learning Development Officer, Platform)

On arrival at Worcester Foregate Street Station, everyone took a moment to celebrate the presence of the yellow line before setting off on their walk through the city and along the River Severn to Diglis Island. Waiting for them were volunteers from the Canal & River Trust, with whom they spent the next few hours.

Over the course of their visit, students discovered how the industrial history of the River Severn impacted wildlife and what the Trust’s project has done to restore river connectivity for migrating fish.

This involved a guided walk around the towpath, crossing Diglis Bridge, to visit Diglis Fish Pass where the students learnt all about this impressive feat of engineering and how it creates a swimming way for fish around the weir that blocks their path. They then descended into the underwater viewing gallery for a chance to see wild fish in the river that may be swimming past.

Platform led the walk back to Worcester Foregate Street, where Imogen took the opportunity to guide the students through how to navigate the information screens to check the details of their train journey, covering such key points as knowing the final destination of the service and that the next train to depart will be at the top of the screen.

Another pleasant train ride and it was time to say goodbye at Kidderminster Station. The Platform team was delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Baxter College – a fantastic bunch of staff and students – and look forward to future collaborations.

“Experiences like these give young people more than just a memorable day out—they offer vital life skills, foster independence, and make learning tangible. By exploring their own communities and beyond, students discover the value of public transport and get to see the incredible places they can reach, all for free. We’re thrilled to provide opportunities that broaden horizons and encourage lifelong curiosity.” (Imogen Sackett, Learning Development Manager, Platform)