Learners from Year 5 and Year 6 at Rowan School recently took part in an engaging and highly informative visit to Safeside in Birmingham, designed to equip them with essential life skills and safety awareness.
Across two visits on Monday 9th March and Friday 13th March, learners immersed themselves in a range of realistic, scenario-based activities that brought important safety messages to life. The experience covered a wide spectrum of everyday risks, helping learners to better understand how to keep themselves and others safe.
During the visit, learners attended a fire safety talk, where they explored the causes of fires and how to respond in an emergency. They also had the unique opportunity to step inside a real room that had been affected by fire, providing a powerful and memorable insight into the impact of fire damage. A particularly impactful moment came as learners observed smoke escaping from under a door, reinforcing the importance of quick thinking and safe evacuation.
Water safety was another key focus, with learners discussing how to stay safe around different bodies of water and understanding the risks involved. They also explored a mock house environment, identifying potential fire hazards and learning how small actions can prevent serious incidents.
The visit extended beyond the home, covering road safety, including how to safely cross the road, as well as the dangers associated with cars. Learners also developed their awareness of railway safety, gaining a clear understanding of why trespassing on train tracks is extremely dangerous.
In addition, sessions on personal safety addressed topics such as stranger awareness, particularly in less secure environments like dark alleyways. Learners were encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and consider how to respond in unfamiliar or unsafe situations.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to engage with discussions around the role of emergency services. Learners gained valuable insight into the responsibilities of these roles and what pathways they might take if they were interested in pursuing a future career in this field.
Snita Verma, Principal at Rowan School, said:
“Experiences like this are incredibly valuable for our learners. The Safeside visit provides practical, real-world learning that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. It not only builds their understanding of safety but also empowers them to make informed decisions and act confidently in challenging situations. We are proud of how engaged and thoughtful our learners were throughout the experience.”
The visits were a resounding success, leaving learners with greater confidence, awareness, and a deeper understanding of how to stay safe in a variety of real-life situations.
