How the Programme Works

Young people aged between 11 and 14 are at a very impressionable age and whilst there will be pupils who have individual learning needs, including difficulties with concentrating, in general they are capable of understanding a hard hitting and complex message. The KS3 programme provides this.

The KS3 programme delivers important fire safety messages, in terms of hoax calls and arson. Central to the resource is a film, “Heat of the Moment”, which has been produced in three parts to allow opportunities for discussion. The film has a common beginning and it can be decided whether to follow one of the outcomes: the ‘hoax call’ route or the ‘arson’ route or do both.

A “Heat of the Moment” session would normally adhere to the following format –

• Deliverers briefly introducing themselves and then drawing out students prior knowledge of terms such as ‘arson’ and ‘hoax calls’
• Introducing the film – giving very little away as to what to look for/what might happen
– the film begins by introducing the characters (Year 7/8 age) and finishes with a fire being accidentally started by a discarded cigarette in a litter bin by school
• Watching the sections in order with discussion between – watch all if time allows
– part 2 develops this by indicating that the school was badly damaged by the fire. With the school being closed the group have “time on their hands” and at the park start playing with a lighter and discuss making a ‘hoax’ call because they are bored
– part 3 has two pathways – making a hoax call and its consequences (option A)
and/or – deliberately starting a fire in a skip and its deadly consequences (option B)

(In advance it should be decided which route the group takes (either option A or option B). There are some similarities in both scenarios, consistent with the characters, but the final outcomes are different.)

• Plenary about the outcome of the film and consequences of actions – both to those directly involved and then the wider community, including family and friends
• A discussion focusing on subjects such as the law relating to fire related criminal incidents, numbers of emergency calls, fire stations, fire engines etc – if appropriate it may have a strong local slant with some cross referencing to national issues.
• A question and answer session – where time allows

The usual “Heat of the Moment” session for KS3 takes approximately one hour to complete; this includes time for introductions, and a plenary (summary). A degree of flexibility does exist in the way that it is presented, particularly in terms of timings and highlighting local issues. The Fire and Rescue Service staff who deliver the session will agree the best approach with you and, where appropriate, take into account any specific circumstances and needs of the learners.