Railway 200: Beechcroft’s Brunel Adventure

As part of ‘Railway 200’, Platform, TransWilts CRP and Beechcroft Infants School in Swindon shared a special week of rail education, train travel and celebrating the trailblazing life of Brunel.

It all began on Monday 27th January when Ellie and Barb visited Beechcroft to facilitate three rail safety, confidence and careers workshops.

In these sessions, the children, Year 1 staff, Deputy Headteacher and parent helpers congregated in the classroom to learn about the many reasons why travelling by train is so great, along with Platform’s key rail safety messages: why everyone needs to stay behind the yellow line, the four reasons we never go on the track, and the various ways we can cross it safely. Woven throughout the workshop were references to jobs that exist in the rail industry, from dispatchers to track maintenance engineers. The children loved bringing the learning to life by dressing up and roleplaying different scenarios. 

“The children’s behaviour was superb throughout our experience of working with them. They were interested, motivated and excited by the whole experience.” Barb Buggy, Learning Development Officer

The following three days saw each class travel by coach from their school to Swindon Station, where they were greeted by Platform’s Sophie for the all-important rail safety and behaviour recap.

“Having gone on my first Platform event yesterday, I thought it was a wonderful trip. From the moment the children came off the coach at the station they were swept up in the enthusiasm of the day (and very well behaved). Sophie pitched things just right and soon had them buzzing to get on the train.” Bob Morrison, TransWilts CRP  

Passing the safety quiz with flying colours, they headed into the station, through the gateline and up onto Platform 4. This experience, which was exciting enough already, was made all the more special by their encounter with Joby, a real life dispatcher! He spoke at length with the children and let each of them have a go at holding his dispatcher paddle and torch.

With the expert assistance of Platform and the GWR team at Swindon, the school safely boarded the train to Bristol Temple Meads. Travelling on Brunel’s famous Great Western Railway line was a memorable experience for all involved.

At the station and on board the train, the children enjoyed having their own clipboards and completing Platform’s Station and Journey ‘I Spy’ activities.

After disembarking on Platform 15 at Temple Meads, they made their way through the underpass, stopping to take in the fantastic history information boards and Brunel mosaic. And, on their walk down Station Approach to Loco Klub, they were delighted to discover the great man (in statue form this time) and pose for a photograph.

Platform’s Ellie was waiting to greet them at the entrance to Loco Klub, once home to the ashpits of Brunel’s original station. Here, the children worked together to create a timeline of his life and apply their newfound knowledge to tackling a quiz.

After their workshop and lunch, the children settled down for storytime – the first part of ‘Arlo’s Adventures: There and Back’. After a chorus of thank you’s and farewells, Sophie led the school back up to the station where they boarded their return train to Swindon. The carriage instantly transformed into a mobile library, with every child immersed in reading their very own copy of Arlo, a gift from Platform.

“I have completed 3 visits with our Y1 classes, & I can honestly say that this enrichment experience has been the most meaningful opportunity I have had the pleasure to be involved with, in my 23 year career. EVERY child benefitted from this experience in different ways Every member of staff was up skilled in some way. Most empowering is the realisation that with the right knowledge and planning, even the most daunting task can be successful and even enjoyable!

“Without doubt, this experience improved the life experiences of a significant number of children. Over 50% of the year group went on a train for the first time! This would not have been possible without the passion, organisation and funding behind this initiative. Thank you so much for having this vision and making this valuable opportunity accessible and so enjoyable.” – Liz Hancock, Deputy Headteacher, Beechcroft Infants School

“Three days of train journeys and workshops filled with laughter, learning and adventure. A huge thanks to all the adults from Beechcroft who helped to make every trip smooth and memorable. I think that every child will remember Box Tunnel every time they ride on a train in the future!” Sophie Lounds, Learning Development Officer

“It has been great to see Platform in action this week. In addition to their usual inspiring workshops and trips, they were keen to play their part in this year’s Railway200 celebrations. Especially as the counties of Wiltshire and Somerset were so significant in the creation of the network. The Brilliant Brunel programme was born and once again Platform has successfully engaged Swindon communities with the railway, allowing Beechcroft School students to learn about railway history and gain confidence in using sustainable transport. We are very proud of the Platform team. It is such a worthwhile project to be part of. Long may it continue.” Sophie Martin, TransWilts Community Rail Officer

Thanks, as always, to GWR, Cross Country and the Community Rail Network for continuing to enable Platform to facilitate these life-changing experiences.