It is generally accepted that our educational system must equip young people, not only with the knowledge to pass exams, but with the skills necessary to cope with everyday life. In this context, one of the most important life skills is the ability to cope with road traffic conditions as they exist in Northern Ireland today. Road safety is delivered through a layered approach using both cross curricular and subject specific means. Many subjects make both direct and indirect reference to road safety topics within their Programmes of Study. This is especially the case in Primary Schools.

At Key Stage 2
A Cycling proficiency scheme for P6 and P7 pupils operates throughout the year, but especially from March - June. Free instructional material is available and payment is made for instruction given outside normal hours.

At Key Stage 3
S uitable material is provided for a road safety element within the Personal and Social Education programme of study.

At Key Stage 4 and 6th Form
A GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies is available. At present more than 30 SELB Post Primary schools offer this subject. This syllabus includes:

• The highway code
• Alcohol abuse
• Legal requirements, documentation, insurance etc
• Motoring mathmatics, the buying and selling of vehicles etc.
• Post accident procedure
• Motor vehicle technology