Extract from the Bracknell Standard 11 June 2009
Teenager Ryan takes the
front seat for safe driving
PIONEER:One of the first in country to win new qualification aimed at young people
ABracknell teenager has become one of the first people in the country toget a new qualification aimed at making young people safer drivers.
RyanFrancis, 17, is the first student to have completed the new BTEC qualificationin driving science at Bracknell and Wokingham College.
Ryan,of Naseby in Hanworth, finished the course in March. It is equivalent to a GCSEand focusses on the science of driving to change young people's attitude towardissues such as speeding and risk-taking.
Theteenager, who recently passed his driving test, said: "By combining onlinelearning with in-car practical lessons I realised that I not only learned - Iunderstood."
“Now that I feel I am confident in driving,recognising dangers and recognising me as being a danger.”
The BTEC was only introduced last year by driving softwarecompany a2om and has been approved by exam board Edexcel.
The course is aimed at cutting the numbers of 17 to 25year-olds who are killed or injured in car crashes each year. In 2008 49drivers aged 17 to 25 were injured on the roads in Bracknell Forest.
Tina Housego, road safety officer for Bracknell ForestCouncil, said: “The council is delighted to raise awareness of the firstacademic qualification in novice driver training.
“Driving is now a skill that must be included in 21stcentury education.”
Ryan added: “This course is well worth taking and should beconsidered by everyone.”
For more information go to www.a2om.comor call Bracknell and Wokingham College on 0845 330 3343.
ON COURSE FOR SAFETY: Ryan Francis gets his certificate fromtutor Martin Church
