The Wheels Blog

Here is a selection of students' comments about their experiences at Wheels:

'Our instructors are fantastic and I learnt what happens if you dont' wear safety gear.' Student from Bedminster Down School (KS+ Moped course). 

'The staff here are sound and I learned about checking your bike before driving.' Student from HWV (KS+ Moped course)

'I learnt about the health and safety aspects of owning a moped and how to maintain it.' Student from BEC (KS+ Moped course).

'I learnt how to change rollers and clutch springs and how to drive a bike safely.' Student from Merchants' Academy (KS+ Moped course).

'I enjoyed the course because it was pretty much 'hands on'.' Student from South Glos W2L (CV course).

'I enjoyed working with others and having lots of practical.' Student from Bedminster Down School (KS Karting course). '

I learnt to be more good and feel confidence while riding the ped.' Student from Oasis Academy (KS+ Moped course).

'It was helpful and fun!.' Student from BANES Youth Clubs (mixed) (KS+ Moped course).

'I enjoyed taking the kart apart and putting it back together again.' Student from Oasis Academy (KS Karting course).

Terms 3 and 4 were our busiest ever and, in Term 4 for the first time ever, we did not deliver any karting courses.  This was because we were chock-a-block with KS+ Moped courses and consequently, by the end of term, we had lots of students ready to take their CBT.

The students on our two Commuity Vehicle courses were from South Gloucestershire W2L and The Meriton. 

The students from South Glos W2L came to us for a full day each week - something completely new to The Wheels Project as our sessions have always been for half a day only.  This proved to be very successful.  The group's' community vehicle' which was a Land Rover, donated by Avon & Somerset Constabulary, was  gifted to Goblin Combe Environmental Centre in North Somerset at the end of term.  These students had also worked well towards gaining their OCR qualifications in Motor Vehicle Studies.

The other CV course, which continued throughout Term 5, was for students from The Meriton who worked on a minibus which will be gifted to - The Meriton!  They, too, are made good progress with their OCR studies.

During Term 5 we also delivered courses to the OMU (Offender Management Unit), Kingsweston School and another group from South Glos W2L.

Term 6 sees us delivering a mix of KS Karting, KS+ Servicing, KS+ Mopeds and CV programmes to The Park, OMU, South Glos W2L and BEC with The Meriton students making their vehicle ready for handing over and completing their OCR modules.

We shall also be delivering a new, day-long course in July for the 'Keep Your Wheels' initiative.  This will involve 8 young moped owners coming along to The Raceway in Avonmouth where our Supervisors will check their bikes over and give them advice on safety and maintenance after which there will be a chance to take part in a kart racing session.  We shall be running another of these courses in August.

From Tracy Kemp, Merchants' Academy

'Content was as good as ever.  The Supervisors are very patient tutors and they related well to the students.  The students used their experience to complete a piece of writing for their English coursework folders.'

From Liz Barker, KTS Training

'Structure was, as usual, good and delivered at an appropriate level and pace.  Supervisors were described as 'wonderful' and students' attendance at KTS was much better.  Behaviour and social skills also definitely improved.'

From Mike Newman, Barton Hill Youth Centre

'The sessions were structured well with the young people being involved in both theory and practical tasks.  The course covered health and safety, road signs and moped maintenance and gave the young people a good understand of mopeds.'

From Barry Walsh, The Park

'Students have enjoyed the course, gained new skills, interacted with staff and other students.  Can see an improvement in key areas.  Given the young people an opportunity to achieve.'

From Malcolm Yeoman, The Castle School

'The Castle School is a regular participant in the various Wheels' programmes and rates the courses very highly.  We have been very pleased with the way our students have responded to the courses - a credit to the way they are run and taught!  This year the new premises make the whole experience so much more exciting, comfortable and professional for our students.'

Great excitement - by 1 September we had finally completed our move into 31 - 32 Bonville Road!

We're thrilled with our new building and feel sure that everybody will benefit from the enhcanced facilities we will be able to provide.