Bookings for 2012/13 are now being taken for KS3 schemes at Safeside, the interactive safety and citizenship centre run by West Midlands Fire Service. Tours utilise the realistic indoor street scene, which includes a working road crossing, house, car, double decker bus and dark alleyway, to teach pupils about a range of PSHE topics in an engaging two hour session. Issues include road and in car safety, fire safety and water safety along with other topics relevant to this age range such as drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, internet safety, and the consequences of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Lifeskills programme only operates on Tuesdays during term time and involves drama students from Birmingham School of Acting playing roles in 4 scenarios, with our own trained Presenters in the other 6. NGAGE covers the same areas but is delivered entirely by trained Presenters who lead small groups of up to 6  pupils around all 10 scenarios. NGAGE has the advantage of being book able at any time.

Full details of curriculum coverage and objectives can be found at www.safeside.org.uk/lifeskills . If you have any questions about the content of the scheme please contact Education Co-ordinator Rob Hattersley on 0121 380 6432 or email rob.hattersley@wmfs.net. To make a booking please contact the Safeside Support Team on 0121 380 6429 or email safeside@wmfs.net.

The visit costs £6 per pupil and accompanying staff are free of charge.