Situated in the riverside town of Barnard Castle, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has been helping pupils prepare for the summer holidays by hosting an important water safety session with local community police and fire officers.
Learning Vital Water Safety Skills Near the River
With the school’s location close to a river in Barnard Castle, water safety is a key priority for both staff and families. During the visit, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils took part in practical discussions designed to help them stay safe when spending time near water.
The session covered:
- The risks linked to rivers and open water
- Safe behaviours when near water
- What to do in an emergency
This learning is especially important as the summer holidays approach, giving both the school and parents greater confidence that children understand how to keep themselves safe.
Strong Engagement from Pupils
Mrs Lewandowski praised the pupils for their excellent attitude throughout the session. She highlighted:
- High levels of engagement
- Thoughtful and carefully considered questions
- A genuine interest in learning about safety
Their enthusiasm helped make the visit both informative and impactful.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviour Expectations
Alongside water safety, pupils also revisited their understanding of anti-social behaviour.
They demonstrated that they could:
- Clearly describe expected behaviour within the community
- Identify actions that are unacceptable and should not be tolerated
This important discussion supported the school’s wider focus on respect, responsibility, and community awareness.
Building Strong Community Links in Barnard Castle
The visit also strengthened valuable links between the school and local emergency services in Barnard Castle. Staff and pupils expressed their gratitude to the community officers for giving their time and sharing their expertise.
About St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is committed to preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom. Through strong community partnerships and meaningful experiences, the school ensures children develop the knowledge, confidence, and awareness needed to stay safe and make positive choices.
As the summer holidays draw closer, this session serves as a timely reminder of the importance of water safety, particularly for children growing up in a riverside community.