Would You Recognise the Threat?
Three scenarios. Three levels. Test your situational awareness in a school environment — and discover what most people miss.
Scenario 1 of 3
The Playground
Break time. The playground looks normal. But is it?
Setting: It’s 10:45am on a Tuesday. Morning break. You’re a member of staff on playground duty. Around 120 children are outside. Two other staff members are on duty with you. The weather is overcast — a normal school day.

Take a moment to look at this scene. What do you notice?
Question 1 of 9
A bag has been left on a bench near the perimeter fence. No one is near it. What’s your first response?
Question 2 of 9
You notice the side gate — the one used by kitchen deliveries — is open. It’s usually locked during break times. What do you do?
Question 3 of 9
A parent you don’t recognise is standing outside the fence, watching the playground. They’ve been there for several minutes and haven’t approached the main entrance. What do you do?
Scenario 2 of 3
Something Isn’t Right
The signs are there — if you know what to look for.
Setting: It’s 1:15pm. Afternoon lessons have just started. You’re the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The office receptionist radios you — a man is at the main entrance asking to see a specific child. He says he’s the child’s uncle. He doesn’t have ID and isn’t on the approved contacts list.

Question 4 of 9
The man says it’s urgent — a family emergency. He’s becoming agitated at reception. What’s the correct response?
Question 5 of 9
While you’re dealing with the man at reception, a colleague radios to say they’ve seen someone trying door handles at the rear of the building. Two incidents at once. What do you do?
Question 6 of 9
Lockdown is in place. All classrooms are secured. The man at reception has now left the building voluntarily. A child in Year 4 is crying and asking what’s happening. The class teacher asks you what to tell the children.
Scenario 3 of 3
The Corridor
It’s happening. Right now. What do you do?
Setting: It’s 2:30pm. You hear shouting from the main corridor. A door slams. The fire alarm has NOT gone off, but something is clearly wrong. You’re in a classroom with 28 children. The corridor is between you and the main exit.

Question 7 of 9
You hear aggressive shouting getting closer. Your classroom door is closed but not locked. You have 28 children, one teaching assistant, and a fire exit at the back of the room. What do you do first?
Question 8 of 9
The shouting has stopped. It’s been quiet for two minutes. A colleague sends a text: “All clear — it was a parent confrontation in reception. Resolved.” There has been no official all-clear from leadership. What do you do?
Question 9 of 9
The official all-clear comes through. Children are upset. Two are crying. One child says “Are we going to die?” The incident is over, but the impact is just beginning. What matters most right now?
Your Results
What this tells you: This assessment covers basic situational awareness, threat recognition, and decision-making. In the full ORVIA programme, these scenarios are expanded into immersive, practical training — with escape drills in your actual building, age-appropriate activities for children, and advanced preparedness for staff and parents.
Ready to Protect Your School?
This was a sample. The full ORVIA Active Threat & School Safety programme covers Tier 1 (online), Tier 2 (on-site), and Tier 3 (full assessment and drills). Every programme is tailored to your school.
Or go back to the full course page to learn more.
