Manchester is no stranger to musical genius. Oasis, The Smiths, Aitch, The Stone Roses and the Blossoms. These are just some of the musical acts from a very long list of names that have their roots in Manchester. Over the years the city-region has produced world class acts spanning multiple different genres.

It’s evident that there is a clear passion for music within Greater Manchester, and a lot of talent too!

Perhaps you’re one of these people, and you’re contemplating a career in the music industry. If this is you, you’re in the right place!

Welcome to our series on jobs you may not have explored, where we focus on different topics you might be studying and what careers you could pursue within that field.

What could I do?

A career in the music industry can be a lot of different things. You might love performing or perhaps you prefer being behind the scenes. Maybe you’d want to use your skills to help others.

Here are three jobs in the world of music that you may not have explored…

College courses start at level 2 and go to level 3 and are titled something like ‘practical performance’. There’s a chance you’ll have to audition for these courses.

There’s also the option of further study at university, or a conservatoire. A conservatoire is a type of university that only provides artistic courses.

Each course offered at this level is unique, so you need to be careful when reading the descriptions of the course. Again, you’ll be expected to audition for these courses.

In addition to your qualifications, you may also need to have achieved a certain level in your instrument. These are called grades and can be awarded by different music schools.

Music Therapist

The power that music has on our emotions is strong. So strong that it can completely change how we are feeling in the moment and help us through difficult periods.

Incorporating music into your daily routine can be a great way to boost your mood and increase your overall wellbeing. To learn more, check out this blog.

Music therapists are professionals that help people with managing their emotions through musical practices.

To become a music therapist, it is generally required to go to university. Usually, a degree in music is the usual route for those hoping to become music therapists, before studying music therapy as a masters.

However, many postgraduate courses are now welcoming people on to their courses that have done psychology or education undergraduate degrees. But you must be highly skilled in music too. Always check the course entry requirements to check what universities ask for.

There is also the option to do a level 7 apprenticeship in ‘Art Therapy’ as an alternative to the master’s qualification.

Volunteering within health and social care environment is a great way to enhance your CV and boost your chances of getting a place on one of these programs too.

 If a more technical pathway is for you, there are apprenticeships that range from level 3 to level 6. These programs use different titles and include the words ‘audio’ or ‘technicians’ rather than sound engineering. Make sure you’re reading the descriptions carefully, so you know you’re applying to the right course.

As a lot of what sound engineers do is hands on, some people prefer to work rather enrol onto a program. They do this by taking on volunteering opportunities or apply for entry level roles as an assistant.

However, some of these job roles still want the person they’re employing to have some degree of skill or have a qualification in the field even at entry level. So, check this before you apply.

Your career in music could be electric. We’ve covered three jobs in the musical field today, however there’s more out there to discover!

If you feel that your passion for music could turn into a career, then researching what options are available to you is the first step. You never know, the pathway to your ideal job role could be a few clicks away.

Hello, and welcome back to another edition of our ‘What Could I Do with My Qualification? Jobs You May Not Have Explored’ series.

This blog will look at three different biology-related careers, so if science is your subject, keep reading!

Is a career in biology for me?

Perhaps you’re naturally interested in biology. You’re curious about the way living organisms work, or even how they came to be. Maybe you’ve found that you perform well in your biology lessons, and think you’d like to develop those skills further.

Biology can open doors to different career paths, like the medical or environmental fields. We’ve picked three jobs that you might consider if you like biology!

Getting work experience is also valuable when it comes to a role like this. Opportunities to develop your skills can not only enhance your probability of getting a job in the future but will help you discover what you enjoy doing.

There are jobs available that are related to this role; however, volunteering is also a great place to gain experience. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to exploring volunteering opportunities, check our blog on the value of volunteering.

The opportunities go on, and on and on…

Still wondering what other job roles you could do by studying biology? It’s worth researching more into the careers we’ve mentioned today, you don’t know what else you might find!

Anyone studying biology knows how diverse the topic can be and this reflects in the job opportunities the subject has to offer, we need biology lovers like you to fill those roles in the future!

As it was recently Small Business Saturday, it got us thinking about what being a young entrepreneur in Greater Manchester feels like.

Starting your own business can feel like a scary prospect, especially if you don’t have anyone in your life that works as a freelancer or runs a business of their own.

Knowing where to start and what to expect can feel the one of the biggest obstacles to starting your own business.

That’s why we’re talking to young entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester who have pursued their passions on their own terms, and are now giving advice to the next generation of future business owners – you!

How has running a business changed you as a person?

Running a business has made me so much more confident in myself and my own abilities, as well as knowing my own strengths and weaknesses. I know I am not great with numbers, so I have friends or business people I know who can check it for me.

Online, I really like making content and connecting with other small businesses as well as my customers. 5 years ago I would never have had the confidence to even talk to a customer, let alone another business owner.

When I first started Katchee, I didn’t really care to know about the numbers or my audience.

Nowadays, I am constantly on top of the numbers, constantly wanting to improve margins and understand my audience better, what makes them tick, why would they buy from me, what other products would they like?

What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?

I have developed so many skills I didn’t even realise I would need, from content creation to product photography and SEO, to working out margins on a spreadsheet, as a sole trader you really do have to do it all.

I think I have gained valuable transferable skills like customer service, interpersonal skills, problem solving and so many other things. I will also admit I don’t know everything about business and probably never will. If there is a day where I am no longer learning something new, that’s the day I retire.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to young entrepreneurs?

Learn the fundamentals of business before you grow, know your audience and what they need, what problem do you solve for them? Don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone who knows their stuff, sometimes you’d be surprised what you learn from a mentor, more experienced business person, or an organisation like The Kings Trust or The Growth Company.

Meet Lucy, Nail and Beauty Therapist, and owner of Lu Lotus

What inspired you to start your business?  

At first, nails were just something I enjoyed on the side to get me through university. But over time, I realised I didn’t fit inside traditional jobs. I wanted work that didn’t drain me but nurtured me. 

What began as something small, slowly grew because people believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Clients shared my work, told their friends, and little by little, it became clear that I was allowed to build something different. 

How do you stay motivated and organised day-to-day? 

Not every season is about growth, and I try to lean into that. I conserve energy when I need to, and grab inspiration whenever it hits. Then, when I have the time and energy, I dive into the new things I’m most excited to try. 

On days I don’t bounce out of bed ready for work, I remind myself I’ve had days like these before -and most often, I end up feeling lighter, brighter, and quietly proud by the time I finish.  

Organisation-wise let’s just say I’m a work in progress.  Morning rituals like lighting incense, softening the lights and setting the mood via music help me stay grounded. Not an organisation queen, but I know how to deliver a playlist that brings the vibes! Beyond that, I live by my calendar and Notes app. (Tips welcome -I’ll take all the hacks!)

How has running a business changed you as a person?

I’ve become more resilient. I’m less scared to try new things, because even if they fail, I know I’ll learn something along the way and give my clients a good giggle.

Running my business has also shown me how much I really love people – my people. My vibe has attracted my tribe, and it keeps attracting them! I’ve learned to trust myself and my intuition more, and to honour my own pace. Taking time for me actually adds to my business.

Slowing down helps me show up for myself, my business, and my clients, feeling rejuvenated and fully like me.

What skills have you developed that you didn’t expect to?

Well, I didn’t know I had this much resilience! I’ve also built confidence I never thought I’d have, just by showing up consistently for my clients and for the business in my own way.

I’ve discovered the magic of my own rhythm.  I don’t do things the ‘traditional’ way. And that works for me. Turns out, following your own pace, and giving yourself a break when needed, is a skill in itself.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give to young entrepreneurs?

Find your people (by being yourself)-mentors, workshops, communities of other small business owners -and soak up inspiration. The scary parts feel less scary when you know you’re not alone, and your tribe will help you trust yourself, keep your momentum, and enjoy the ride.

Don’t get stuck on soaking up the inspiration though. Do it wrong. Do it scared. But Do.

You don’t have to have it all figured out, and you definitely don’t have to follow a traditional playbook. Show up, take the leaps, make mistakes, and trust your intuition.

Where can I go for help?

If that’s got you excited about the idea of being an entrepeneur, why not check out our article on Curriculum for Life about how to set up your business?

Running a business isn’t easy, though. If you need more support, why not check out EnterprisingYou? They’re supported by the Business Growth Hub, and they’re all about helping entrepeneurs take things to the next level. All of the business owners featured in this blog received support from them – so you’ll be in great company!

This week marks 65 years since Coronation Street first made it to our screens. As the world’s first and longest running soap, not only is it setting records, but it has also put Greater Manchester on the map.

Its popularity is all thanks to the drama it serves. The challenging storylines and memorable characters have turned the show into what we know it as today: nothing short of iconic.

But the show would not have reached icon status without all the people that worked to create it.

Perhaps you’ve wondered about a career in TV, but you’re not sure what that would look like.

That’s why we’re taking a look at all of the different areas of TV production, and the roles within them, so you can find the perfect job for you. Read on to get inspired about how you could be part of the next generation of television!

Actor

When you’re thinking about TV, actors are often the first people we think of. Maybe you love performing or have a natural flair for the dramatic. If so, acting is one way of getting into the industry.

You could look at a BTEC in Performing Arts to kickstart your creative career as an actor.

Producer

A producer is a type of manager who is responsible for a huge variety of tasks. They might be scouting for a location for a particular scene or deciding how the budget for the show is being spent. They can also be involved in the creation of storylines. They are an overseer of all that goes on at every stage of TV development.

Experience and knowledge of producing is really valued, so choosing a course that can give your hands on experience is beneficial for anyone looking to find their start. This is why a T level in Media, Broadcast and Production can be so useful.

Crew

Working as a part of the crew can refer to a variety of different jobs. You’ve got the directors who oversee the creative direction of the shoot. To help them achieve the creative vision, there’s assistant directors and runners on set to ensure that things are running smoothly.

The photography team, who are in charge of the videography, includes the camera operators, electrical team and those responsible for lighting. There’s also sound operators and script supervisors who are make sure the continuity of the plot is protected, by ensuring everyone’s saying their lines right or intervening if any plot changes are made that don’t align with the story.

In addition to a T Level, apprenticeships are great way to find your start in the industry. You might be after a more generalised apprenticeship, however there’s plenty of specific schemes that allow you to work in the role that interests you.

Websites like the UK Screen Alliance and production companies advertise apprenticeships and other entry level opportunities, so check them out.

Art Department

Being in the art department means you’re responsible for all things visual. This can range from set design to the props used by the actors as well as the actors’ hair and makeup. Deciding what makeup, hair and costume the characters will wear is an easy way for audience to understand who they are. The tv and film industry depend on the art department quite frequently to present the world they’ve created without having to explain it to the audience through the dialogue.

Those working within the art department will also be present on set to make sure everything goes to plan!

If you think you’d enjoy bringing a story to life visually, by choosing to do a T level in Craft and Design, you could build the skills you need to develop into a career in screen. Again, apprenticeships are another popular route as they give you the chance to network and gain experience.

Editing

Now that all the footage has been captured, it is the job of an editor to bring the story together. They choose the best footage, stitch together the scenes and make changes when needed. This would include things like adding sound, music, or even removing background noise.

Using the script as a guide to bring the story to life, they would regularly consult with the team to ensure that the story is being told in the way the director imagined.

Like the other roles, T Levels and apprenticeships are a great way to get into a post-production role.

Other support

A career in media doesn’t always mean a creative career! It takes a lot of different people to make sure that a TV show is run efficiently.

There are people who work in finance, making sure that people are being paid and that money is being distributed to the right departments. There’s a legal team who deal with contracts and advise on any legal issues. There are even medics on set when there’s dangerous scenes being filmed.

The business team helps with the administrative tasks that need doing, and the marketing of the show. Marketing roles can be more creative, as you might be responsible for an advert you see on billboard or on social media.

Where could you fit in?

This blog has focused on some of the roles within TV. However, depending on the production there are even more job roles you can explore.

Jobs like casting, animation or music composition are just some of the other pathways you can pursue. Research what’s out there to find your future role – check out the Beeline page on Creative, Culture and Sport to find out more.

Remember the creative industry needs diversity within its workforce to create productions that really resonate, it can competitive but if it’s your dream to work in TV – go for it. Your voice deserves to be heard.

Greater Manchester can proudly proclaim that it is the home of many talented people. Many individuals from GM are celebrated for the work they have done or are doing. This is a huge testament to the range of skills and abilities of the people belonging to the region.

That’s why we’ve created this new blog series, where we’re choosing different icons of Manchester and taking a deep dive into why they’re famous and what you could learn from them. We’ll be doing this either around their birthday or another special day they’re known for.

Our first icon? The Streford-born artist L.S.Lowry.

Artistic Careers

Visual art can be much more than creating a piece of work that is pleasing on the eye. Lowry had the ability to represent the communities he knew and lived in with his drawings and paintings.

Like Lowry, you might feel the drive to create art because of a feeling or message you’d like share. Perhaps it’s a way of expressing yourself, or you simply enjoy it.

Whatever your reason, a career in the arts can be incredibly fulfilling, and L.S. Lowry who chose to live in the Northwest his entire life, even after achieving global success, is testament to that.

Who in Greater Manchester can help nurture your talent?

Are you an aspiring early-career artist in Greater Manchester? There are various schemes, grants or groups that will allow you to invest time into your artistic craft. We’ve included a list of organisations that offer opportunities that could allow you to level up as an artist. Joining groups that allow you to focus on your art is not only a great way to develop your skills, but it’s also a way to meet like-minded people. There are also grants offered within Greater Manchester to support your journey.

Opportunities

Being a part of schemes that provide training, experience or mentorship is a wonderful way to enrich your career as an artist. Many creatives kickstart or take their career to the next level after being involved in these schemes.

Fortunately, Greater Manchester is filled with creative organisations that nurture young people entering the industry.

Below, we’ve included organisations to keep an eye on. They don’t all have active schemes that they are currently running, however it’s worth checking their sites regularly this may change.

• Future Everything
• The Lowry
• Factory International
• ESEA Contemporary
• Islington Mill

Top tip: Check to make sure you’re eligible for a scheme that catches your eye – some schemes are looking for specific candidates!

Considering a career in art?

Perhaps a career as an artist isn’t something that interests you, but you still want to work in the world of visual art.  

If so, then check out this blog from another series we have. The jobs for you might be one click away. Click here to explore jobs you might not have thought about with an art and design qualification.

Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the history of black people, and how their influence has shaped the lives of many today. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate not just individuals’ successes, but the organisations created by black people that support and educate on a huge range of topics.

If you’re eager to learn more about what black history month entails, the Black History Month Magazine website is a great place to start. Their site is full of resources and information.

Greater Manchester Organisations Making a Difference

In honour of black history month, we’ve highlighted some Greater Manchester based organisations that are championing young black people in education and employment.

Keep reading to find out more…

Sam Buah Organisation

The Sam Buah Organisation offers various programmes that support those from minority backgrounds with their careers. They run multiple schemes that support people with their career journeys. From mentoring, to training and networking opportunities, they are an organisation that are dedicated to investing in the next generations of workers.

To see how they might be able to help you, have a look at their website.

Louise Da-Cocodia Trust

Another organisation that supports young people in their educational and employment journey is the Louise Da-Cocodia Trust. They offer various resources of support to young people that aims to improve their self-development on a professional and emotional level.

To learn more, check out their website.

Afrocats

Another one for the creatives!

Afrocats support young people through their mentoring schemes. They’re scheme offers the opportunity for creative to learn how they can use their talents to host workshops.

Not only do the mentee’s have the opportunity to flex their skills but they will also be taught how their creative talents can enrich the lives of others.

Blossom

This is one for the girls! Blossom is a Greater Manchester based organisation that provides women with the tools they need to navigate life. This includes support with their education. The organisation offers a placement scheme to young women of colour.

If you’re interested in learning more, have a look at their site here.

Further Support

If you are searching for financial help, Save the Student has a page dedicated to all the organisations that provide grants, bursaries and scholarships to young people from minority backgrounds.

It’s worth having a look, you might find something there for you.

Hopefully, this blog has provided you with some resources that can be helpful to your career. Greater Manchester has a wealth of organisations that support communities experiencing racial inequalities, in all different areas of life.

To learn more, check out the Manchester Community Central website. Here you’ll find a list of organisations making a difference within black communities in Greater Manchester.
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Whether you love or loathe it, poetry is a very big part of our lives – you just may not realise it. Whether it’s the lyrics you hear in songs or perhaps you catch yourself reciting a rhyme you were taught to remember something, poetry is everywhere. It even exists in the way we use our words to express our feelings or describe something – we borrow metaphors from poetry all the time.

If you love your literature lessons and could talk all day about books you’ve read and what the stories mean to you, perhaps you’ve considered a career in literature.

Today’s blog will look at the different sectors that you could go into, and what better day to do this than National Poetry Day?

Publishing

Most of you will have had your first encounters of literature through a book. For this type of material to be created it will have gone through various stages before being published.

That book you loved as a kid? That would have been written, then edited, probably several times. It would have gone through the process of being designed and created, whether as a physical copy or a digital one. Then it will be advertised to its target audience before being ready to be distributed.

This process can take time and it takes a lot of people to make it all happen.

Depending on your interests and what you might be good at, there are different sectors of publishing. It’s not just for books. You could company that publishes magazines or newspapers, maybe even academic materials.

Some jobs in the world of publishing include:

• Writer
• Editorial Assistant
• Book Illustrator
• Marketing Manager

Education

Teaching others about the wonders of literature is a popular pathway for many literature graduates. Teaching can be a rewarding career, seeing your students develop their skills because of your coaching can be a fulfilling thing.

Your experience of the teaching profession has likely been through your experience of school, however there are many different educational institutions you could work in.

Some jobs in teaching can be done in:

• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• SEN schools
• Colleges
• Universities
• Private tutoring

But there are more opportunities available in the world of education than just teaching!

Marketing

The way we use our words can be really powerful. Some people are experts at writing messages that people relate to.

Marketing is everywhere. Maybe you’ve seen an advert on TV that you thought was funny, or that business you follow on social media have just started posting cool stuff.

The people behind these campaigns work in marketing. Marketing is an industry that is dedicated to promoting products and services.

There are many jobs available in this field. However, if you’re considering a career in marketing from your love of literature, perhaps the more creative side of the field would appeal to you more.

Some jobs in marketing that have links to literature include:

• Copywriter
• Content Creator
• Brand Management
• Public Relations Manager

Could this be the field for me?

There could be roles we’ve mentioned today that you’ve never heard of before.

If you’re curious to learn more, it’s always a good idea to do some research. Finding out what these job roles entail might just help you find the right pathway for you.

Explore more about careers in literature on the Creative, Culture and Sport gateway on Beeline.

You may have heard of volunteering, or perhaps you might have done some volunteering in the past. Many young people do some volunteering to bolster their CV or get some new experiences.

But can volunteering help you? Read on to get the lowdown on what volunteering is and why it could help you in your career.

What is volunteering?

Volunteering is offering your time and skills to a company or organisation. But unlike a job, you won’t be paid for your services.

A lot of people will volunteer at least once in their lives. Maybe it will be a couple of hours with a school project, or you’ll spend years volunteering as a hobby. However, you do it, it’s without a doubt a noble thing to do. You’ll be helping people and giving up your time for free to benefit others.

Why should I volunteer?

Each person who volunteers might have a different reason. Maybe you feel passionately about a cause and want to get involved. Or maybe you’re looking to meet new people. Perhaps you’re hoping to gain valuable work experience or get your start in a field you’re eager to join.

Understandably, many people are put off from volunteering as you aren’t going to be paid for your time. We get it, life is busy and amongst other responsibilities, sometimes you simply don’t have the time. But, before you completely dismiss volunteering, it’s important to consider its advantages.

What could I do?

There are many ways to volunteer! It all depends on what you enjoy and what skills you think will be valued be an organisation.

Whatever your interest, there’s usually a volunteering opportunity that will suit you. Reaching out to an organisation that you feel would appreciate your services is the best way to begin. These could range from community groups, charities, campaign groups or you could even provide your services on a much more personal level. Maybe that elderly neighbour that needs a little help in the garden? Or that family friend with a dog that needs walking.

Trying to find somewhere to volunteer can be tricky, especially when you’re a young person. Here are some organisations who support young people on their volunteering mission.

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance Service are famous for their volunteers. They have programmes that allow people to volunteer from the age of 5 and up! Their dedicated youth team programmes are designed to make the process a lot easier for any young people hoping to get some volunteering experience. Plus, the events they work can be fun and you might even end up meeting a celeb or two!

Volunteer with City Year

If supporting children and teens is something you’d think you’d be good at – City Year are a great place to start. City Year are an international charity that have a base right here in Greater Manchester. They get young people into educational settings, to mentor people young than them. This scheme is aimed at people who are aged between 18-24.

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross are a charity that have been around for some time. You might see their charity shops dotted around. Most of these stores are run by volunteers.  The British Red Cross have got a section specifically for young people on their website to search for the right opportunities for them.

Duke of Edinburgh

If you’re after more resources, the Duke of Edinburgh website is a goldmine! They have a long list of opportunities available for those who are under the age of 18 or even 16. Click here for the the Duke of Edinburgh website to start your search.

Why not get yourself out there?

Hopefully this article has shown you a little bit about why volunteering can be such a good thing to do. If you’ve got a bit of time spare this year, why not explore what options are out there?

Some of you may be sad to say goodbye to the summer holidays and the freedom that can come with it. Others may welcome autumn with open arms and find heading back to school or college and getting back into a routine a much more satisfying experience.

Whichever camp you’re in, September has arrived. You may be back in school or college already, or you’re due to go back very soon. To make the transition back as easy as possible, preparation is key.

So, to help you, here’s a checklist of all the things you need to consider…

Plan your route

This September might be a bit different for some of you. You might have changed schools or started college and you need to plan your route. Or the journey you take to school, or college is so familiar to you, you could do it with your eyes closed.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, wheeling, driving or using public transport, there are lots of factors to consider. Time, environmental impact and cost are all things we need to think of when planning our journey.

If you need help sorting out your journey to school or college, check out our GMACS blog with all the info you need.

Pack your essentials

There will be some items that school or college have told you to pack, they may have even sent you a list. There may be other things you need in your bag that are specific to you.

Making a list of all the things you need will help you organise yourself better, and means you’ll avoid the panic induced rush to make sure you’ve got everything you need the morning of your first day back.

A good tip to follow is to pack your bag the evening before, so if anything is missing you have time to deal with it.

Check your start date

Knowing the actual day that you’re starting back at school or college is important.

These can be different for everyone, this is because of things like inset days, or that different educational facilities begin their courses on different dates. Some schools have also introduced staggered start times. This means that some pupils will go back to school earlier than others, to make the transition easier.

It’s always worth checking, you don’t want to be the only one stood on a rainy day at the bus stop, wondering where everyone else is!

Decide on your outfit

Similarly to packing your bag, planning what you’re going to wear is quite important.

If you have a school uniform, then picking an outfit isn’t an issue for you. However, some of the advice here will come in handy.

Firstly, dressing appropriately for the weather is important. September can offer us some late summer sun, or the winter weather might have arrived early. It can be unpredictable. Prepare as best as you can for the weather.

Secondly, planning your outfit the evening before can make your morning a much smoother experience. If you’ve been giving yourself lovely long lie ins all summer, an early alarm will be enough of a shock to the system. Make your life easier and pick out your clothes the night before.

Finally, wearing clothes that express who you are and that make you feel good can make you feel more confident. Taking some extra time to pick clothes that make you feel comfortable will help you feel at ease for the rest of the day.

Take a deep breath. You’re going to be great

It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re starting back school or college in September. You haven’t seen any of your classmates or teachers for some time and settling back into a routine can be challenging.

It’s worth remembering these anxious thoughts you may be experiencing can be worse than the reality of the situation.

However, if your have concerns about your welfare, speak to the adult in your life. You deserve to feel comfortable and safe whilst you learn.

It may feel like it was yesterday that summer officially began and you had six long weeks ahead of you to enjoy. But just like that, September has arrived and we’re back into the swing of things, which means you’re heading back to school.

One thing you might need to consider is what the best way to travel to school is. Living in Greater Manchester means that there are often multiple ways to travel. With a city-region as well connected as this, you’re spoilt for choice!

This might also mean having different plans for different days. Maybe if the weather is nice, you plan to walk; but if it’s raining, you could hop on a bus or tram. Or you could just mix it up based on how you feel each day. A bit of variety is always nice and breaks up a routine!

So, let’s have a think about all your options. For each option, we’ve explained why it could be right for you, as well as some things you’ll need to think about.

Walking or wheeling

Walking is the original method of transport! Some of you may be using wheelchairs or other mobility devices which use footpaths. If you can get to school by walking or wheeling, it’s a great choice.

Why walking or wheeling could be right for you

If there’s a safe route available for you to walk or wheel to school, it’s really worth considering. It’s a wonderful way to get your daily movement in – the benefits of moving go on and on and on. It helps you in all sorts of ways – physically and mentally.  The NHS says that we should be doing 150 minutes of exercise a week. If walking to and from school 5 days a week takes you 30 minutes per day – that’s your weekly exercise done!

It also is a very cost effective and environmentally considerate thing to do. Walking is free and does not contribute negatively to the climate!

It’s a win for the bank balance, the planet and your general health.

Things to bear in mind

If you’ve grown up in the UK, you don’t need to be told how unpredictable British weather can be.  Walking or wheeling during the winter months can be particularly challenging, especially when the weather conditions are quite rough.

Of course, we can prepare for different circumstances to make the journey easier. That could be making sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes, carrying a raincoat or umbrella or making sure you’re wearing sunscreen.

Things can be tricker when there’s ice on the ground, or there’s a storm of some kind. So, make sure you’re picking the safest travel route on those days. Mother nature is not to be messed with!

Catching the bus or tram

Lots of people use public transport to get to school. Whether this is a public bus, a dedicated school bus or coach, or a tram, there’s lots of options.

Obviously, you’ll need to check the routes to understand if public transport will work for you. Many schools are on bus routes, and you may find that the tram is close enough for you to use, too. If you’re not sure what’s in your area, check out Transport for Greater Manchester’s travelling to school page to find travel advice dedicated to your school.

Why catching the bus or tram could be right for you

There are lots of benefits to using public transport. For a start – you could access a range of discounted or free child fares, so it’s cheaper! Depending on how old you are, there are a range of dedicated schemes for young people that offer free or cheaper travel. Find out more on TfGM’s website (plus learn about other schemes!), but the main schemes are:

• Igo card (5-16 years old). The Igo card unlocks cheaper child tickets – you’ll need one to prove you’re eligible for these discounted fares.
• Free school pass. If you’re under 16 and travel more than 3 miles to school, you could be eligible for a free school pass – giving you free travel on certain routes.
• Our Pass (16-18 years old). For those between 16 and 18, Our Pass offers free bus travel and discounted tram tickets, plus freebies, discounts and other experiences!

As well as the financial aspect, travelling via bus or tram is much better for the environment. A double decker bus could have a maximum of 70 or 80 people on the bus at any time. Think if everyone on the bus decided to travel in an individual car instead? That’s a lot of emissions!

It can be quite a sociable experience to travel by bus or tram, as well. Having an end of day debrief with your friends can be satisfying way to end your day, especially if you didn’t have a nice time in school that day. Likewise, having a group of mates to walk with can offer you the same thing.

Things to bear in mind

Of course, for some people public transport may not be a good option. This is particularly true if there aren’t any routes near you. Having said that – the public transport network in Greater Manchester is expanding all the time, so even if there aren’t routes now, there might be in the future.

Buses or trams can also sometimes be quite busy, and for some people this could be a bit overwhelming or worrying. If this is a problem for you, consider travelling a bit earlier or later than other people as this could mean you’re on a much quieter service.

Driving

You might be fortunate enough to have someone in your life that can give you a lift to school.

Why driving could be right for you

Travelling by car can be efficient and comfortable. You can create the environment that you enjoy. Travelling by car can give some people the peace and quiet they want in the morning. Or maybe you can have your own personal concert without disturbing anyone.

Things to bear in mind

If you’re travelling by car during the busiest time of day, there’s a high chance you’ll get stuck in traffic. Sometimes it can be so busy that you’re being overtaken by people on foot!

Although it might not be you that’s paying, it can be a lot of money to run a car!

There’s also an environmental factor. Driving can contribute negatively in many ways to our environment. Having many cars on the road at once creates more pollution. An effective way to decrease pollution is to use less vehicles.

One way to combat this is by something called ‘carpooling’. You might have heard of this before. It’s when people decide to use one car to travel to a location, generally when they live close by each other or know each other well.

However, it’s important to remember that this needs to be arranged by the adult in your life, so that they can ensure your safety.

Looking for more information?

For more resources and support, head over to Transport for Greater Manchester’s travelling to school resource page for all you need to know about travelling to school.