A single decker bus has been converted into a classroom to support students with special educational needs in Farsley.
The specially converted bus to support students aged 16-19 with neurodivergent conditions gain confidence to travel safely and independently was unveiled at West SILC Powerhouse at Springfield Mills yesterday (Wednesday, 10 July).
First Bus in Leeds has converted the bus to create a ‘classroom’ area for students and redesigned the exterior to match the college’s identity.
All the interior features have been retained to create a real-life bus experience which teachers will use to develop role play and other activities to explain safer travel, driver interaction, paying fares and lessons in using the bus network.
The donation supports a display in the college showing travel information, including bus and train timetables.
The bus features alongside specially built installations at the college which support familiarity with a variety of services and aspects of daily life including a supermarket, retail, fast food, banking, hospitality and a Post Office.
Students yesterday received a travel training session which taught them how to safely get on a bus, what to say to the driver and how to show their bus pass. They also chatted about how to sit properly how to report problems and how to plan their journey.
Student Yusuf, 17, said: “Being on a bus was a big deal. The more we are able to practise the better we will become at it. Practise makes perfect.”
And fellow student Steven, 17, added: “The session helped me feel more confident as it can be quite scary going in buses.”
Teacher James Taylor told WLD: “Travelling on public transport can be a massive step for our students and this new bus will be important to increase their confidence as many come without experience of being on buses.
“We can run sessions on the bus without added distractions and help prepare our students with important skills they can use in every day life. It’s a hugely important resource.”
Rob Lakewood, Department Lead for post-16 students, added: “Working collaboratively with First Bus we have incredibly lucky to receive such a kind donation. For our college this is learning resource and a tool to support our learners to access the world.
“Travel in the community is a complex task for students that access the Powerhouse, but through this project we have been able to develop a unique resource that empowers, builds confidence and enables our learners to practise skills in a repetitive manner before putting them into context in the wider world.”
Developing life skills
First Bus has been working with Powerhouse since the spring as part of its broader support for young people in developing vital life skills and confidence to access sports, social and cultural activities and further education.
A group of 30 students have benefitted from sessions with the team at its nearby Bramley depot, aimed at building confidence and independence.
Mubs Mahmed, Community and Social Value Partner for First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “The idea to donate a bus to the college was the obvious next step in developing our partnership with Powerhouse. It means the teachers have a genuine environment to support students throughout the week.
“For many, independent travel will soon be an important part of daily life, so giving students the tools they need and building confidence on buses now will make a huge difference as they move forward to stay connected to education, work and their communities.”