As spring turns into summer, older students at Haut-Lac International Bilingual School are spending more time out enjoying extra-curriculars, local events, balmy evenings with friends. Whilst we’re lucky to live in a peaceful, close-knit community, it’s becoming increasingly clear our teens are encountering situations that call for stronger awareness and more mature decision-making.
MYP4 to IB1 students are at an age where independence is growing fast. It is therefore the right time to give them the tools they’ll need to stay aware and safe as they begin navigating the wider world.
From Familiar Routines to Independent Living
Now at university, many Haut-Lac alumni have spoken about how jarring the move to university and city life can be. The sense of security and familiarity they had at school fades quickly in fast-paced, unfamiliar urban environments. These stories underline how important it is to help students make that transition with confidence.
To support them, we invited former Metropolitan Police Firearms Officer Steve Farrant to lead a series of hands-on workshops. He delivered sessions packed with practical advice based on his years of experience in law enforcement, VIP protection and risk management.
His workshop, entitled Stay Sharp: Life-Safety Skills for Leaving School That You Can Apply Now, were designed to feel relevant and accessible to students. It highlights the potential risks in urban settings and explain how to stay alert, evaluate situations quickly, and make smart, safe choices.
Real-World Safety Skills Every Teen Should Know
During the session, Steve shared the three essential tips below for staying safe when stepping into independent life:
“Stay Situationally Aware: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when in unfamiliar environments. Avoid distractions like phones and headphones when moving around and especially at transport hubs.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. It’s better to be overly cautious than to ignore early warning signs.
Have a Plan: Always know how you’ll get back to where you’re staying. Share your plans with someone you trust and make sure your phone is charged before going out.
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He then walked students through the kinds of scenarios in which they may find the above tips particularly useful:
“They get lost or disoriented, especially in a new city or country
They are approached by strangers or involved in unwanted interactions
They get caught up in protests or public disorder, particularly in urban areas
They are affected by a medical issue or emergency where they need to seek help or communicate with others
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How Students Responded and Why it Matters
The feedback from students said it all. One shared, “The speaker was very nice and covered all the important topics. It was very interesting and helpful.” Another added, “Really interesting – Stephen knows this topic very well. We felt included in the entire conversation.”
Sessions like this aren’t just a welcome break from the norm. They’re a powerful reminder of what education looks like when it meets students where they are and prepares them for where they’re going.
Encouraging students to think critically and take responsibility for their safety gives them the confidence to handle challenges more effectively, and shapes the independence and resilience they’ll need as they step into adulthood.
We’re grateful to Steve for generously sharing his time and expertise. These sessions are a valuable part of our wider effort to support students as they grow into independence with awareness, confidence and care.
Gregory Wilson
Deputy Head of Secondary
