Platform Rail has hosted a unique event for nearly 200 students from Coniston Primary School, bringing together rail education and Christmas celebrations.
Ahead of the event, Emilie from Platform visited the school to deliver a pre-travel assembly to Years 2-6, and a pre-travel workshop to early years foundation stage and Year 1. The sessions covered the key information students needed to know ahead of the trip, including learning about the yellow line, train speeds and stopping distances, level crossings and electrification.
The team then arranged for every student from the school to take a train trip from Filton Abbey Wood to Bristol Temple Meads. The pre-travel learning that had taken place was evident across the two travel days, with students demonstrating how safe they were able to be at all points of travel.

The fun wasn’t over yet and after arriving at Bristol Temple Meads, the group walked down to The Loco Klub, a community arts venue set in the original, underground ash pits of the station where they were treated to circus performances and creative craft activities. At the end of the day everyone left with a Christmas goodie bag featuring a copy of everyone’s favourite children’s rail safety story – Arlo’s Adventures: There and Back by Bessie Matthews.
Alan Walters, Headteacher at Coniston Primary School, said: “The team at Platform have been outstanding from start to finish. Emilie provided a brilliant and informative assembly, full of enthusiasm and fun. The safety messages were put across really well, and that was evident when we were stood with 60 children on the platform.
“I can’t express the importance of this trip to the children of Coniston. The vast majority have never been on a train, and the children had such a special time that they will remember the experience forever. The circus acts, the Christmas crafts and the presents added to a truly wonderful experience, and I have never seen so much enjoyment on a school trip.
“Thank you to everyone involved – this means so much to our children and the impact this will have is huge!”
The event was provided for the school free of charge, thanks to generous funding from the Community Rail Development Fund and complimentary travel, for rail education purposes, from GWR.
Check out all of Platform’s resources via their website.
