Children from Bradley Stoke Community School Primary Phase enjoyed their very own First West of England bus for the morning when they took a mystery roundtrip to Bristol and back. The four- and five-year-olds, some of whom had never been on a bus before, had lots of fun singing and learning with their teachers.
Before they set off, First West of England driver Ian Street showed the Reception class children how to hail the bus by putting their hands out. They then ‘bought’ a ticket from Ian with a chocolate coin, and practised thanking him. Ian explained that travelling by bus is a fun and easy way to get around.
Then it was off into Bristol for a whistle-stop tour, with views of the SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge along the way. The children travelled on a green energy bio-methane-powered bus. The journey ended with the children ringing the bell for their school stop.
Back at school, each child handed in their coloured-in bus cartoons to Ian. The child who had completed the best colouring-in won a toy First West of England bus. All children were also given a free adult Bristol Day ticket so they can make another journey with their parent or carer in future.
Dhruv, aged 5, said:
“I really liked the bus – especially looking out the windows and sitting next to my friend.”
Oscar, aged 5, said:
“It was really exciting! I liked going under the big bridge the best.”
Bus driver Ian said:
“We take buses into local schools to encourage children and their families to use the bus network and to show children how to use buses safely and easily. The children were lovely and very well-behaved – they really got into the spirit of the occasion and we had some great singing of ‘Wheels on the Bus’! They especially liked the splendid views from the top deck.”
Reception class teacher Nicola Trafford said:
“These children hcommunity schoolave missed so many everyday activities in their young lives because of pandemic. It’s great that, with First West of England’s help, we were able to create one of these experiences for them. Our children thoroughly enjoyed their bus trip and the many things they learnt during the morning will really help their understanding of our ‘journeys and transport’ topic in school. I’d like to say a big thank to Ian and First West of England for taking us out on such a special trip.”
Video of the trip
A video of the trip is available to view on YouTube…
