On their bikes for pioneering project

Sharon Thompson • Published 4 Feb 2010 11:17 0 Comments

Share this

A BURGH primary school has started piloting a new method of teaching pupils how to be safe on their bikes.

St Joseph's Primary is embarking on a scheme of 'continuous assessment' for pupils undertaking their cycling proficiency test.

Normally those taking the test are quizzed on their theory on the morning of their practical exam, but that is set to change.

Parent Kathleen Owen has been helping out at the cycling proficiency lessons at the school for the last five years.

She explained the changes.

"Usually what happens is the kids take the theory test on the same day as their test out on the road, when all their training has been completed, but this may no longer be the case.

"Instead the children will be assessed over a number of weeks."

She said they hoped to incorporate the iCycle software into the training in the classroom, which can be used on the smart-boards.

Designed by Argyll and Bute council, the software last year won a prestigious national award at the Scottish Transport Awards.

It is aimed at making the learning of cycle theory fun, and provides a knowledge base for what Kathleen said is "probably their first experience as a road-user."

Pupils from other areas of Argyll and Bute who have used the software said the iCycle programme made the theory "stick in your brain more than reading because you're actually doing it", making "it a more interesting way to learn".

They particularly enjoyed the game-type activities built into the scheme such as a timed road signs quiz.

The theory at St Josephs and indeed other Burgh schools is, at present, taught in the classroom over a number of weeks and questions on the theory compiled into one test.

Kathleen said: "It used to be teachers that took the children for cycling proficiency lessons but now it is dependant on parent helpers, of which more are needed.

"Because we will be assessing the children continually when they are out on the road, it would be good to have more parents out there too.

"For most of the pupils it's their first experience out on the roads and it really is a life-skill and completely different to anything they have experienced before."

Road Safety Officer, June Graham, is to visit St Joseph's today (Thursday) to launch the project.

Follow @helensburghadv

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.