‘Digging deep’ to benefit students
Teachers have been finding out spade loads of information about the farming industry as part of a programme run by Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire.
They were invited to take part in the Food and Farming Professional Development Day at Stoneleigh Agricultural Centre on Tuesday 14 July, arranged in partnership with FACE (Farming and Countryside Education).
The group of geography, food technology and science teachers from seven secondary schools in Coventry and Warwickshire met experts and organisations involved in the industry to build an up-to-date-picture of sustainable farming practices, teaching resources and links for future visits.
They were also taken to Ram Hall farm in Berkswell to understand how the modern day operation is changing and how a local family-run business supplies both to UK and international customers. They were also shown sheep milking and the processes involved to make special Berkswell Cheese.
Jenny Stokes, Teacher Placement Coordinator for Connexions Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “The aim of the day was to help teachers enrich the curriculum by taking back real examples to the classroom, giving students a better understanding of food production issues facing the farming industry and the modern techniques being used.”
Teaching staff from six Coventry Schools (Caludon Castle, Sidney Stringer, Bishop Ullathorne, Ernesford Grange, Barrs Hill and Coundon Court) and one Warwickshire Schools (Avon Valley) attended.
For more information about FACE (Farming and Countryside Education), visit http://www.face-online.org.uk.