Risk Radar Hits the Hallways

Academy9 is now in its second year of delivering the Risk Radar transition event at Grantown Grammar School and this year introduced an exciting new addition.

As before, Primary 7 pupils from Grantown, Carrbridge, Abernethy and Deshar Primaries joined us for a morning of Health and Safety focused activities. In response to feedback from last year, we introduced a pupil Health and Safety walk. This gave pupils the chance to explore more of the school and identify potential issues they might encounter when they move to high school after the summer break. It also provided a valuable opportunity to reinforce key dos and don’ts when moving safely between departments.

Wearing their high‑viz vests, pupils were guided through various departments on the walk, giving them a broader sense of the school environment. The activity was made possible thanks to the knowledge and support of Grantown Grammar’s senior leadership pupils. Prior to the Primary 7s arriving, the senior pupils took part in mentor training, where we developed their leadership skills and shared strategies for keeping younger pupils engaged, encouraged and safe. As part of this training, they mapped out the walking route and helped set up staged hazards for the pupils to identify.

Throughout the event, more than 60 Primary 7 pupils took part in a carousel of activities. Working with Balfour Beatty, they learned about the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), assessed everyday scenarios, and compared the probability and impact of different risks. They also spent time with Gary, a Civil Engineer currently working on the A9 Dualling Programme, who highlighted the dangers associated with risks on construction sites.

To round off the morning, pupils worked in mixed groups to create freeze‑frames based on a health and safety story. At key decision points, they acted out what happened, demonstrating impressive teamwork, leadership, communication and creativity – with some fantastic results.

We hope the day helped pupils build new friendships and feel more at home in Grantown Grammar School.