A new rail safety programme for 3-16s that encourages young people to stay Switched On around the railway
Through a range of age targeted films, interactive games and classroom activities, Switched On teaches pupils to be aware of risky behaviour and develop hazard-spotting skills.
From special journeys to everyday commutes, the rail network helps get us where we need to be.
Switched On is a suite of curriculum linked, age targeted resources covering three key age groups: 3-6, 7-11 and 12-16. With more than 13,000 trespass incidents a year, the programme explores the entire rail environment – from level crossings to tracks – and teaches students how to be switched on to the risks it can pose.
3-6 years
Switched On Travels with Suzi
Pupils can join Suzi on her favourite trip to the nature reserve by following her special map, whilst earning up to six badges on their journey to become Switched On! The activities are flexible; pick and choose the badge(s) you’d like to complete. Each activity contains valuable lessons and are a mix of animation, supporting worksheets and slides.
7-11 years
Switched On for every journey
With a focus on developing good judgement and decision-making skills, Switched On for every journey not only asks children to identify potential dangers on their own journeys but to also spot risky behaviours in others. Using the interactive map to explore each resource, pupils are in put in charge of their own learning journey, with flexible activities from live action films to supporting worksheets and slides.
12-16 years
Living Switched On
Young people often make responsible choices around the tracks but there can be times when their decision making can be compromised. Living Switched On explores a range of themes such peer pressure, the perils of group mindset and the impact of decisions. Activities are flexible and can be completed as a class or individually, from interactive games to hard-hitting films.
Stay safe with Thomas
Network Rail and Thomas the Tank Engine have joined together to help young children learn about staying safe around the railway. Follow Thomas on an exciting adventure around tracks, stations and level crossings as he learns how to behave around the railway.
Resource spotlight
Pupils are introduced to the important signs around the railway, exploring what they think each sign means and what it is telling them to stay switched on for.
A catchy animated song featuring Suzi, helps consolidate the pupils’ learning. Can they learn it off by heart?
The fate of a group of friends is now in your class’ hands. Watch three short scenario films where the action is paused before a “crunch” moment. Can your pupils help them make a Switched On decision to ensure the safety of the group?
A multimedia case study that asks pupils to investigate what happened in an incident on the tracks. Why did it happen? What was the impact? Could the outcome have been different?
A train can never stop in time when travelling at full speed to avoid a hazard. Keep scrolling to see how long it takes a train travelling at 125mph to stop.
How steady are your hands? Can you make it through the electrical maze without being shocked? Try and see if you can avoid elecrocution!
Train drivers have to stay Switched On to potential hazards when driving passengers to their destinations and sometimes their reaction speed is tested. How quickly can you react to the potential hazards in the interactive game – Will you stop the train in time?
When surrounded by peers, living up to best safety practices in the rail environment can easily slip from our attention. Identify and addresses unsafe behaviours including misuse of train station escalators and sitting on the platform edge.