Road Safety play highlights dangers
Pupils across South Lanarkshire have been learning about the increased risk of road accidents during the transition from primary to secondary school.
The road safety play The Nine Lives of Roddy Hogg is aimed at S1 pupils and over the past few weeks has been performed at Stonelaw High School, Uddingston Grammar, Strathaven Academy, Rutherglen High School, Hamilton Grammar, Duncanrig Secondary and Larkhall Academy.
The play was commissioned by Road Safety Scotland and performed by the Baldy Bane Theatre Company. The play tells the story of Roddy, who is one of the most popular guys in first year when he starts secondary. His fooling around has never got him into any real trouble and he is convinced that nothing can touch him.
When his sister starts secondary, her energy for life is spent at all the different clubs that the school has to offer. Her concern for Roddy's safety makes no impression on him. As the stupidity of his actions becomes more apparent, he begins to lose his friends and the dramatic events that loom ahead of him change his life forever.
The play introduces a rich variety of characters as Roddy's way through life sees him using up his nine lives, one by one. The consequences of his actions are fatal.
Four actors portray at least eight characters in the play that deals with transition, bullying and new friendships in a secondary school setting. Relationships, peer pressure and popular sub-cultures influence a typical friendship group as they make their way on the road to and from school.
Chair of South Lanarkshire Council's Roads Safety Forum, Councillor John Murray, said: "This was a very thought-provoking play which engaged the audience by making the lead character seem very cool at first.
"However, as the play goes on everyone began to realise that the character's reckless behaviour was likely to get him into trouble.
"We have to engage our young people in a way they will find entertaining but still ensuring the road safety message is relayed.
"The play did this brilliantly and I would like to thank the Baldy Bane Theatre Company for visiting our schools."
Teaching materials are available to accompany the play, which include a copy of the script, teachers' notes, suggested lesson plans and pupil worksheets.