A government objective to increase outdoor school visits to farms has been given a major boost by the production of a comprehensive new educational resource.
Farmers, teachers, exhibitors and pupils are expected to benefit from the release of the new CD ROM.
The resource is in three sections including a one stop advice manual to assist land owners and show societies in the planning and preparation of an event for schools. It is ideal both for those starting from scratch and those who wish to build on existing school activities.
Exhibitors will also be able to take advantage of easily downloadable information sheets to make the most of events with an educational focus and there are also briefing notes for teachers to ensure their pupils get the most out of a farm visit.
The resource has been produced for Natural England by Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) and the Countryside Foundation for Education.
FACE works to improve the schoolchildrens' knowledge of food and farming and is therefore at the forefront of helping the government realise its aim to increase outdoor learning to support academic achievements.
Bill Graham, head of FACE, said: “What is different about this new resource is that all the information everyone needs to organise a successful school visit is in one place.
“We highlighted key stakeholders including hosts, exhibitors, teachers, parents and of course the pupils themselves.
“Information on the CD includes an outline of an event’s objectives, potential benefits, a practical assessment of the venue, organisational support, financial considerations and hints on the timing and structure of the day.”
“Hosts will also have access to the necessary health and safety information, how to manage groups, educational support and event evaluation techniques.
“This project aims to provide resources and information for all stakeholders to take full advantage of countryside education.
“Its concept has been based around recommendations of the evaluation of Bringing the Classroom to the Countryside project, a partnership between the Countryside Agency and the Countryside Foundation for Education.”
The CD is available from FACE’s head office or any of its regional education co-ordinators.
