Safety matters for new secondary pupils

Around 180 of the county’s new secondary pupils will take part in Orkney’s annual safety awareness event next week.

“Safe Islander” is an educational activity programme for S1 pupils aimed at developing the life skills needed to keep themselves and others safe in the future.

This year’s event, at Kirkwall Grammar School, will see pupils from Stromness Academy, Kirkwall Grammar School, Stronsay and Westray Junior High Schools taking part. Based on the principle of “learning by doing”, the youngsters will be put through a series of simulated “danger” scenarios situations under the supervision of experts.

Orkney Islands Councillor, Andrew Drever, is the chairmain of the Orkney Road Safety Forum will formally open the event.

He said: “Young people take a big step up in terms of independence as they enter secondary school.

“With that comes exposure to new and different experiences, so this is absolutely the right time to be exercising their ability to recognise and react appropriately to risky situations.”

Among the topics being covered are fire safety, the dangers of alcohol and online safety.