At Gateway School, we believe that the most meaningful learning happens when pupils are fully immersed in their environment – learning through doing, discovering through play, and developing resilience by stepping out of the classroom. Our Farm School programme is a shining example of this philosophy in action.
Set in the heart of our beautiful rural surroundings, Farm School runs come rain or shine, helping children embrace the outdoors, develop hands-on skills, and build a deep appreciation for the natural world. More than just a novelty, the experience is thoughtfully woven into our curriculum, enriching learning in a way that textbooks alone never could.
One With Nature – Whatever the Weather
From the outset, the purpose of Farm School has been clear: to provide pupils with additional hands-on learning opportunities while encouraging them to connect with – and benefit from – the natural environment around them. In doing so, pupils quickly learn the importance of being prepared for the elements, dressing for the weather, and becoming adaptable and resilient.
Every week, groups head out to the farm to take part in activities that link directly to what they’re learning in class. These aren’t stand-alone sessions, but carefully planned experiences, created in partnership with teaching staff across subjects. Maths, Science, Geography, History – all come alive through farm-based tasks.
Bringing the Curriculum to Life
Take a look at just a few of the powerful learning experiences our pupils have recently enjoyed:
- Year 1 visited in the summer term to compare themselves to a day-old calf as part of their ‘Growing and Changing’ topic. They also helped feed the chickens they had hatched the year before – a truly full-circle moment.
- Year 2 explored the process of making bread from seed to loaf. After rubbing out wheat grains and grinding them into flour, they kneaded dough and linked this tactile experience to their Science topic on Forces and Changing State – before proudly taking their bread home to share.
- Year 3 stepped back in time during a day of Mediaeval Activities in our ancient barn, tying in with their Castles topic. From jousting in the fields to sampling honey drinks, the experience helped history come alive.
- Year 4 used their knowledge of natural disasters to design Lego houses on a steep bank, testing their flood resistance in simulated downpours. A perfect blend of STEM thinking and creative design!
- Year 5 studied Life Cycles by comparing cows, frogs and native plants – observing real-life examples in the farm pond and planting new hedge trees to enhance the environment.
- Year 6 explored life during WW2 for those living under the constraints of rations. They learnt how to dig up fields to plant potatoes- it wasn’t a glamorous life.
Each activity gives children the chance to reflect on their learning, applying it in real and memorable ways. While the outcomes can’t always be measured with data, the qualitative impact is immense – seen in the confidence, curiosity and pride pupils take away from every session.
More Than Just Learning
Beyond the academic benefits, Farm School plays a key role in supporting mental wellbeing. Being outdoors, surrounded by nature and animals, has a calming and therapeutic effect. Pupils often return to class more settled, more focused, and full of stories to share.
Of course, one of the highlights for many is meeting the farm dogs. Understanding how they work, watching them respond to commands, and running freely across the fields alongside them offers pure joy – and a connection to nature that doesn’t need to be measured to be valued.
Farm School at Gateway is not just about education – it’s about inspiration. By stepping outside the classroom, we’re giving our pupils the chance to build knowledge, character and memories that will last a lifetime.
By Mr Dyson, Science Teacher and Farm School Lead
