Our school farm journey started in Autumn 2023 as we developed ideas with pupils. The concept behind it all began with a group of learners developing their literacy skills through 'Little Red Hen', a staff member brought their hens in for the day and we also had a zoom call with Farmer Henry who told us all about his beef farm...why not embed agriculture into our learning experiences??....

Since then, our school farm has developed considerably! The children in Dosbarth Gwynant (year 5/6) are our Ferry Farmers / Ffermwyr Y Ferry and develop skills and responsibilities through farming education on our school site. Each week they have job roles assigned to care for the farm, ensuring tasks are completed daily and it functions safely. Children from other year groups join Clwb Ffermio each week and spend parts of their day visiting the animals and community garden as part of their learning. 

Our rescue hens are a key piece to developing our message of sustainability through farming practices. We sell the eggs to our local community, with profits used to develop the hens environment or wider projects on the farm. 

Recently we've become goat keepers! They have been a fabulous addition to our learners opportunities to learn more about animal care. 

Leading towards the Summer this year, we have exciting plans ahead to continue growing our school farm, working in partnership with our community and wider organisations to increase biodiversity on-site. 

 

Why should our pupils learn about farming and animal husbandry?...

Introducing children to farming can have a profound and lasting impact on their development and view of the world around them. When children learn about farming, they gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from, which fosters a sense of gratitude and encourages healthier eating habits. By engaging with their land, our animals, and natural cycles, our pupils build a strong connection to nature and learn the importance of environmental stewardship.

Farming also teaches valuable life skills such as responsibility, patience, and problem-solving. Whether they’re planting seeds, feeding animals, or harvesting crops, children learn that hard work and consistency lead to meaningful results. These hands-on experiences help develop a strong work ethic and a sense of accountability.

Additionally, learning about farming provides real-world applications of science, numeracy and technology, making our curriculum more engaging and relevant. It also nurtures empathy and compassion, we see this daily when our pupils care for their animals seeing the effects of sustainable practices.

Perhaps most importantly, farming connects children to their communities and cultural roots. Our community days have such a positive impact on this also. Farming teaches them that they are part of a larger system—one that relies on cooperation, respect for nature, and thoughtful choices. In a world that is becoming increasingly disconnected from the sources of its food, learning about farming empowers children to become more mindful, informed, and responsible citizens.