Full Steam Ahead to Further Ed!

Back in May, Platform and their partner charity, South Bristol Youth, led a series of inspiring school trips for Year 9 Bristol students to BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music) Institute, combining practical travel training with cultural exploration and hands-on musical experiences.

Aimed at boosting confidence and opening young minds to future study opportunities and independent travel options, the trips offered a unique blend of safety workshops, street art walks, and engaging music degree tasters – all within the school day.

Each trip began at the Chessel Centre in Bedminster, where a group of selected students from one of several secondary schools in South Bristol, participated in a rail safety and travel confidence workshop led by Platform’s Sophie. These sessions provided practical guidance and reassurance, helping them to feel more prepared, independent and of course safer, when travelling by rail.

Following the workshop, students walked to Parson Street Station to begin their journey into central Bristol. For some, this was their first ever journey on a train. To build their confidence in planning and carrying out their own journeys in the future, Sophie provided lots of practical tips throughout the day, such as using the Help Point at the station.

After arriving at trendy Montpelier Station, the students and adults enjoyed a captivating walk through the vibrant neighbourhood of Stokes Croft, taking in the area’s distinctive murals.

This unexpected part of the trip offered an inspiring cultural experience, showcasing the creativity and expression found within the local community.

Upon arrival at BIMM, students took part in degree taster sessions designed to give a flavour of what studying music at a higher education level might involve.

Highlights included a live band performance from ‘Hunny Buzz’ and an engaging DJ set, where students were even given the opportunity to try their hand at mixing on the decks. The sessions aimed not only to inspire, but also to show the accessibility of creative study pathways close to home.

The trips concluded with a return train journey to Parson Street.

Through a thoughtful combination of practical learning, cultural discovery and creative exploration, these trips succeeded in offering young people a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead – whether locally or further afield.

“My recent work with SBY, facilitating train trips to BIMM has reaffirmed my belief that when young people are given the chance to step outside their everyday and see what’s possible, their sense of the future expands. These trips were about more than just a day out – they were about opening doors to new career paths through rail travel and helping young people to see that their potential has no limits.”
Sophie Lounds, Learning Development Officer, Platform

“In their rail experience days with Platform, as well as experiencing a different type of university in BIMM Bristol, students have learnt important safety information for rail travel, about their ability to travel into Bristol from their local station by train and about rail transport as an option for commuting to work, college or higher education in the future.” Brett Dickinson, Programme Coordinator, South Bristol Youth

Platform would like to thank South Bristol Youth, GWR, BIMM Bristol and Severnside CRP for making these train trips so special.