Our latest primary student voice activity was all about helping our young learners get ready for their upcoming school trips while also making them aware of the necessary items to bring along. This initiative aligns with our school’s strategic plan by facilitating students’ transitions during their school trips throughout their educational journey.
The students created a “backpack list” of essential items needed for school trips, which will be kept in the classroom to promote their readiness and independence. Then they practised packing bags with the items that they identified as essential.
The opportunity enabled students to experience (some for the first time) the procedures and protocols in using a bus; for example, what to expect whilst being raised onto a minibus lift; the sights, sounds and smells of being inside a vehicle with others.
This kind of experience prepares our students for future events and trips in both their education and their access to their community. Our occupational therapist spoke to the students about the importance of safety while using public transport and what to expect when boarding the bus. Many of the students had never been on a bus before, and they were all very excited. Amelia remarked, “It was my first time on a bus! It was great!”
The students expressed their enjoyment of the bus ride and indicated that they would like to experience it again on future school trips and some of them even suggested some trips.