Bus travel has now become child’s play

8
Nov '17
Board game handed to Mr Ohlson Pacs-Primary
Mr Randall Ohlson, principal of Pacaltsdorp Primary School, was very pleased to receive his school's copy of the GO GEORGE board game from Karen Lamberts of the communications team, and of course, Georgie, the little ones' favourite bus person.

A multilingual, smart and creative GO GEORGE board game, designed by a team of transport engineers, graphic designers and educational specialists, has been launched last week. One complimentary set is now being handed out to each of the primary schools in the areas currently serviced by GO GEORGE. The rest of the primary schools in town will receive their copies as the service rolls out to their areas.

Board game unpacked

“When learning is fun, it sticks,” said James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager. “This game is so attractive, creative and accessible to the primary school age group, that we are most excited to get feedback from the children. Question cards have been developed for two age groups, six- to nine-year olds, and 10- to 13-year olds. We are convinced that the GO GEORGE board game will provide hours of enjoyment while children learn more about the benefits of public transport to the environment, as well as to the community. The content has been developed to slot in with the transport curriculum and should add a valuable practical component to the subject content, the children learning as they play.”

Pacs Primary grade twos play board game
These Grade 2 learners from Pacaltsdorp Primary School were very quick to catch on when the GO GEORGE board was demonstrated to them. Moving around a green or blue bus full of passengers was a huge part of the fun. From the left, clockwise, are Raydene Davids
Curtis Li Tait, Sadin Pretorius and Coriane Sue Thys. Cheering them on alongside mascot Georgie are Karen Lamberts (GO GEORGE communications team) and Tyron Yehi, community liaison officer of the bus service.

Players are divided into two teams, with each team supposed to move passengers to bus stops, and from bus stops to destinations and transfer stops, while learning about the GO GEORGE bus system through the question cards. All these cards, instructions, rules and information booklets are supplied in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Teams are rewarded for their knowledge of the GO GEORGE bus system by rolling the dice to move their passengers closer to bus stops and to destinations. The game board is printed on steel-infused paper which lightly attracts the magnets attached to the passenger play pieces, to help keep them from falling over.

The designers have supplied clear and detailed instructions for teachers, including a DVD which the children can also watch before they play for the first time. The GO GEORGE communications team are on standby to drop in to show the ropes, should any school request such added assistance.

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