Date: 10th June, 2016
The annual Junior Good Citizen (JGC) scheme engages young people in a fun and safe learning environment to equip them with life skills as they make their transition from primary to secondary education.
The multi-agency scheme, with funding from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, engages schools, emergency services and local authorities who work together in partnership to educate children from Year Six (aged 10 and 11) to better safeguard themselves and help others.
1,700 students from 38 schools across Swindon are currently taking part in the scheme, which features scenarios that challenge their skills and understanding.
This year’s scenarios include:
- Staying safe online
- Railway safety
- K9 awareness (being safe around dogs)
- Fire safety
- Personal safety
- Road safety
- Weapons awareness
Junior Good Citizen is taking place over a two-week period between Monday 6 June and Friday 17 June at the Punjabi Community Centre in Gorse Hill. It is being delivered by Wiltshire Police, Swindon Borough Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, BlueCross, British Transport Police and the Youth Offending Team.
Police Community Support Officer Mandi Coles said: “The emphasis of this scheme is for young people to have fun while they learn about how they can keep themselves and those in their communities safe.
“This year we have a new scenario, Weapons Awareness, which will touch on the consequences of taking knives out with you in the community. The scenarios help with making choices both at home or out in the community. We believe this will help improve their understanding of how to stay safe and who to report things to.”
Amber Gunning, Year Six Teacher at Covingham Park Primary, said: “We love going to JGC every year. It is a fun and enjoyable way to get the children engaged in what can be quite tricky topics to teach within the classroom. They love the hands on, practical activities and it is clear that they learn so much. The short sessions mean that the children don’t get bored. I just wish it was a whole day!”
Jaia, 10 who attends Covingham Park Primary, said: “I will try to be careful at home with electronics and tell my family not to overload the sockets.”
Emily, 11, who also attends Covingham Park Primary, said: “I will never run near a train or train track after seeing those videos.”