School Visit Packages
For many years the farm has been open for school visits. These have taken the form of either an accompanied tour of the farm, with the owner Richard Storer or a free format visit, where the teachers prepare material and questions on the areas of interest. Richard is CEVAS accredited and structures his visits to cover material relevant to the age and educational needs of the group, depending on group size. This will continue to be an option.
However, we are now able to offer a more bespoke, detailed educational programmes - see below. There is also a diary (School Visits) which allows you to check on the availability of the farm before calling to discuss details.
Detailed Educational Programme
Prior to the visit, the Educational Visit Officer will make contact with you and devise a bespoke programme for your visit, along with providing the relevant risk assessments and other paperwork required. We also provide the opportunity for a free pre-visit should you wish to explore the farm in preparation for your group arriving. On the day of the visit you will be met by our Educational Visits Officer at the car park and shown to your base area where pupils can leave packed lunches and coats throughout the day. The Educational Visits Officer will give a welcome speech, introduction to the day’s activities and a health and safety briefing.
You can choose from a number of activities for the group to partake in throughout the day which are:
Food and Farming (Key Stages 2 & 3) The Food and Farming programme comprises a walking farm tour of the farm. Students will be given an outline of the history to the farm and be given the opportunity to meet and feed the farm animals – each of which has their own unique story. Duration: approximately 60 minutes.
Observing Nature (Key Stages 1 & 2) This programme considers the environment around us by observing the wildlife during the lake a river side walk. The students will look at natural things - signs of animals, birds, wildflowers, grasses, trees, insects and anything in the natural world. Duration: approximately 60 minutes.
Sausage Making Demonstration and Tasting (Key Stage 2 & 3) This activity links in well with the Food and Farming programme and adds to the theme of ‘where does our food come from?’ along with the field to fork experience. Students will be given a demonstration of how sausages are made, the different ingredients used – some students may even be able to have a go themselves!! After the sausage making, students will have the opportunity to try some of the sausages.
Duration: approximately 60 minutes
Animal Experiences Programme (Preschool and Key Stage 1) The group will have the opportunity to explore the farm and meet the farm animals and learn about their environments, whilst focusing on developing personal and sensory experiences, along with vocabulary. Duration: approximately 60 minutes
Environmental Studies – (Key Stages 1 & 2) Our environmental studies programme focuses on the natural facilities provided by the farm. Students will have the opportunity to engage in pond dipping activities and mini beast hunts, as well as tree, bird and plant identification. Duration: approximately 45 minutes.
Life Skills Programme (Key Stage 2 & 3) The Life Skills Programme has two strands to it – both of which aim to teach the students crucial survival and life skills. The first activity is to build a waterproof den. The second activity is to prepare, light, maintain and cook over a wood fire. Building a Waterproof Den Our live skills programme focuses on survival skills and the development of personal and team building skills by setting the task of building a water proof den. This programme presents students with a great opportunity to think outside the box and utilise everyday objects to create something which could prove to be vital in the future. Duration: approximately 2 hours
Fire lighting and cooking over a wood fire (Key Stages 2 & 3) This activity will teach the group how to prepare, light, maintain and cook over a wood fire. Duration: approximately 2 hours