A PROJECT has been launched to challenge school-age children to visit 200 railway stations across the country by the end of the year, writes Neil Gordon.
The Visit 200 project is being run in partnership by West Midlands Railway and West Coventry Academy and is inspired by Railway 200, the year-long nationwide campaign celebrating this year’s bicentenary of the modern railway.
The project offers schools and colleges the chance to arrange special journeys for groups of students to experience new destinations and build confidence in travelling by train, with students from the Academy launching their own web page listing destinations to be ticked off during the project.
West Coventry Academy career counsellor, Jo Kerr said: “We want our students to feel confident using the railway network so they can get out and about and gain independence before they leave school.
“This project is a fun way for all ages to enjoy train travel from primary school up to college, and one of our first visits was to Watford Junction and the nearby Warner Bros. Studio Tour.”
West Midlands Railway’s community strategy manager, Cara Higgs said: “For many people travelling by rail is an everyday activity but we know some students may never have been on a train before.
“That’s why we’re excited to launch this project and bring the excitement and opportunities of travelling by rail to children across Coventry.”
Teachers are encouraged to sign up for their visits at least six weeks ahead of time to allow for travel arrangements, while younger students are also being encouraged to put forward designs for a Station of the Future, with the best submissions being displayed at Coventry Transport Museum.
Check out www.visit200.co.uk for more information and to register your school or college’s interest.
