To become the best person you can be
Weatherfield Academy
RURAL STUDIES
Learning Pathway
Key Stage 2
‘Ready to Learn’
In KS2 pupils are introduced to gardening by looking after the Primary sensory garden and surrounding environment.
Pupils are supported to use basic gardening tools and are shown how to use them safely.
Students are involved in seasonal jobs such as removing and replacing annual bedding plants, leaf sweeping and tidying during the autumn.
During their time in KS2, students have opportunities to plant bulbs, grow flowers from seed, plant seed potatoes, seasonal flowers and harvest strawberries. They also learn what they need to help them grow. (Soil, water and warmth)
The students are encouraged to use their senses. They feel the texture of seeds and soil, smell flowers and herbs, listen to rustling leaves and shrubs, look at flowers and observe the colour changes of leaves in autumn.
KS2 gardening is a meaningful introduction to taking care of plants and the environment.
Key Stage 3
‘Ready for Independence’
In KS3 the students build on gardening skills learned in KS2 by maintaining a class vegetable patch and helping design and decorate the academy’s grounds.
The pupils will learn how to work safely using basic health and safety to ensure the appropriate use of tools and equipment and study a range of topics based on rural life and nature.
The pupils complete a range of seasonal jobs such as leaf raking, sowing seeds and bulbs, weeding, planting, and harvesting. They also learn about some life cycles and garden friends such as worms and frogs.
The pupils are also involved in the planning and decoration of the academy and their class vegetable patch and edible flower bed. They are also given the chance to taste some fruits, flowers, and vegetables that they have grown themselves.
The topics are chosen to build on teamwork, as well as independent work and communication skills. These topics also encourage healthy eating and help prepare for any future accreditation in horticulture in KS4 and KS5.
Key Stage 4
‘Ready for my Future’
In KS4, students will be learning basic gardening skills, such as understanding and following Health and Safety rules in horticulture, recognising and using PPE equipment correctly, recognising and using basic gardening tools (for digging and weeding) safely.
Students will also follow and complete seasonal jobs around the academy, such as leaf sweeping in autumn, growing seeds in winter, planting vegetables and flowers outdoors in Spring, and harvesting vegetables and fruits in the Summer.
Throughout horticulture lessons, students will be developing valuable skills for life, listening and following instructions, working independently and in a team, communicating, and understanding how to look after their environment.
Key Stage 5
‘Ready for Work’
In KS5, students will continue developing existing gardening skills, while learning how to complete more complex tasks and work with a wider range of tools. These include pruning and using pruning tools such as secateurs, shears, and loppers, to both, manage overgrown plants, as well as learn how to grow new plants from cuttings.
Students will also become more active in growing plants and flower pots for sale, planting indoor plants in autumn, making Christmas wreaths in winter, and planting hanging baskets in the summer term. They will also participate in general maintenance around the school grounds but will be able to do this more independently and using their own initiative.
Curriculum Content
Curriculum content shows the topics that each key stage will be working on for the year. Click the key stage you wish to preview.
If you would like further information about our Rural Studies curriculum please contact Miss A Fowler, Rural Studies coordinator, via the Academy office or by email: afowler@weatherfield.beds.sch.uk