RURAL STUDIES

Vision Statement

Our farm and beautiful school grounds are the ‘jewels in our crown’ here at Weatherfield Academy. We aim to work together to ensure that every child and young person learns to respect and care for all aspects of the natural environment.

Rural Studies at Weatherfield Academy

Each student in the academy enjoys designated Rural Studies lessons each week. Our practically based lessons have led to the rich diversity of plants, wildlife, pond life and, of course, our farm animals that we are privileged to nurture. We have three alpacas, goats, chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs and Ziggy, the farm cat, currently living happily on our farm. We have a fruit, vegetable and herb garden, as well as many flowerbeds and plant pots around our school.

The students learn how to grow a variety of plants from seeds, cuttings or bulbs and are involved in caring for plants and animals throughout their lifecycles. These essential life skills are integral to our provision for each student.

Key Stage 2 pupils have a weekly lesson. One week gardening and animal care the next. These meaningful introductions to caring for the environment and animals is enjoyed by all.

We are proud to have achieved four Eco-Schools Green Flag awards, thanks to the contribution of the whole school community, particularly our thriving Eco-Monitors group. We have also been directly involved with Anglia in Bloom and Dunstable in Bloom for many years and have achieved many awards.

At Key Stage 3, pupils are taught five weekly lessons for Literacy skills and three lessons for English, focussing on improving the quality of the books that they read and their comprehension skills.

At Key Stage 4 and 5, pupils have at least 4 weekly English lessons. We see English as a fundamental skill to develop. I’m not sure if this is necessary for the Rural studies part.

Qualifications

We currently offer Horticulture and Small Animal Care AQA unit awards and qualifications which are directly linked to our Rural Studies curriculum.

Other Information

If you would like further information about our flourishing Rural Studies curriculum please contact Mrs I Ferguson via the academy office or by email: