Rail Safety Week starts August 12. All schools can get students involved via a LEARNZ virtual field trip.
A virtual field trip including videos interviews and live web conferences will soon give students a close encounter with New Zealand’s rail system.
Part of the LEARNZ programme, the online learning experience coincides with Rail Safety Week and will have an emphasis on both safety around rail and how rail supports sustainability.
Rail Safety Week runs 12-18 August. It is an annual community awareness initiative led by KiwiRail and TrackSAFE NZ with support from the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport, NZ Police, Transdev Auckland, Transdev Wellington, Greater Wellington Regional Council and local councils around New Zealand.
LEARNZ teacher Shelley Hersey will present the virtual field trip and says students can explore the impact that rail has on our communities, economy and environment.
“This is an opportunity for students to investigate the benefits of sustainable travel, while also encouraging safe decision making around train tracks and crossings. As such, it’s relevant for everyone. Trains travel through our communities so even if students don't travel by train, they still have a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe around trains.”
During the field trip, students can take part in live web conferences and ask questions of experts. Students will look at rail safety issues from a variety of perspectives and see how increasing our use of rail can help us reduce carbon emissions.
Teachers can enrol via the LEARNZ website.
Here’s a quick overview of the field trip schedule:
Tuesday 13 August: Our Rail Network
Explore the impact of rail in Aotearoa New Zealand and how people can travel more sustainably and safely. See how trains are tracked and the rail network managed through a central train control centre.
Wednesday 14: August Moving Freight Sustainably
Follow the journey of freight and look at the role of rail in moving goods across the country. See how to stay safe at level crossings.
Thursday 15: August The Future of Transport
Travel on a passenger train in Wellington and investigate the future of transport. Find out how you can travel responsibly and reduce your impact on the environment.