We are delighted to offer secondary schools enrichment and curriculum linked visits, as well as our nurture programme, Exploring.
secondary visits to aglionby wetlands
Our wetlands are the ideal place to learn about various habitats, exploring the plants and the animals that live there.
This aerial shot shows you the location of the education room, composting loo and various boardwalks that surround two of the ponds.
With adjacent woodlands and hedges, the wetlands area is a vibrant wildlife habitat in which to explore. There are many opportunities to link learning to the secondary curriculum and of course, just being outside is a welcome tonic.
I do hope that you are excited at these new opportunities. For more information and booking enquiries, please contact info@susansfarm.co.uk or call 01228 548336.
curriculum based visits at aglionby
GCSE Geography
We are extremely lucky to have a link with a local landowner enabling schools and education providers to access an undisturbed wetland area near Aglionby. The area is the perfect venue to carry out fieldwork linked to AQA Unit 1 through investigation of our freshwater pond ecosystem. Our location also gives access to the River Eden soft engineering system forming part of Carlisle’s flood defence system. Close by is Low Crosby, which could form part of a case study on the impact of the Storm Desmond floods.
Our offer has been developed in conjunction with former geography teacher Penny Ritson, who has a wealth of knowledge of and expertise in this area.
With dates available from MARCH 2024, visits to Aglionby Wetlands are fully funded through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, provided group leaders complete an evaluation form during their visit. By prior arrangement, we may be able provide transport for up to seven people locally, otherwise there is good roadside access for bus and coach drop offs.
GCSE Science
We are extremely lucky to have a link with a local landowner enabling schools and education providers to access an undisturbed wetland area near Aglionby. The area is the perfect venue to carry out an investigation linked to the AQA Biology unit on Ecosystems through exploration of our freshwater pond ecosystem.
With dates available from February 2024, visits to Aglionby Wetlands are fully funded through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, provided group leaders complete an evaluation form during their visit. By prior arrangement, we may be able provide transport for up to seven people locally, otherwise there is good roadside access for bus and coach drop offs.
For more information on these exciting opportunities and for booking enquiries, please contact info@susansfarm.co.uk or call 01228 548336.
secondary visits based at houghton
english: poetry workshop ON THE FARM
Use all your senses to fully experience a walk across our site, taking in woodland, wetland and farmland.
Produce your own response to what you have encountered before working collaboratively on a poem to remember the day.
ART, DESIGN and photography ON THE FARM
Let nature inspire you
Use examples from Andy Goldsworthy to produce your own natural installations.
Try bark rubbing.
Create a collage from natural objects.
Create 2D and 3D artwork and sculptures from natural materials.
Draw and paint natural objects.
Let the landscape inspire you
Choose your subject matter, mood, timing and lighting.
Use the sunshine and canopy to capture a scene.
Look up, down and around for unique fields of view.
PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS ON THE FARM
A 2 hour visit or can be combined with another activity for a whole day visit.
Adaptable for Key stages 3 and 4.
This could be a good session to opt for having lunch at the farm, to try organic food!
Reflect on our human impact on the environment and consider how we can help to preserve the earth’s resources and live more sustainably.
Learn about the ethos of organic farming and think more deeply about the benefits and challenges involved in farming in an environmentally friendly way.
Apply philosophical approaches of deontology or teleology to debate big questions such as ‘Should I eat meat?’, ‘Why buy local?’ ‘How can I reduce my carbon footprint?’ or ‘Should I shop fair trade?’
Please note we can offer this visit for FREE subject to availability and eligibility- please ask.
GCSE food and nutrition on the farm
This visit links directly to AQA GCSE 3.6 Food provenance. Our organic farm is an ideal location to spend a
couple of hours examining this type of agricultural system. While at the farm you will have the opportunity to discuss the difference between organic and conventional farm systems. Your visit will give you access to organically reared cattle and sheep close up. During your farm walk you will gain a better understanding of the process of rearing livestock in line with Soil Association and Pasture for Life accreditation. Explore the pros and cons of using locally produced, seasonal ingredients.
For the real Farm to Fork experience, compare our organic beef and lamb products with supermarket equivalents. (Additional cost applies.)
Please note we can offer this visit for FREE subject to availability and eligibility- please ask.
A whole day visit including lunch.
Adaptable for all ages- groups of up to 15 only (wear old clothes)
Can you survive in the woods?
Hone your bushcraft skills and see if you can survive for the day.
Try to build an overnight debris shelter- will it be watertight or not?
Rescue your friends and teachers in a First aid scenario (warning – there may be gory bits (fake blood)!
Build an upside-down campfire to cook lunch and toast marshmallows.
Try your hand at making dirty water safe to drink.
Please note we can offer this visit for FREE subject to availability and eligibility- please ask.
A 2 hour visit or can be combined with another activity for a whole day visit.
Adaptable for Key stage 4 and above
Get rid of technology for the day!
Take time out to reflect on your use of technology and enjoy immersing yourself in nature, (device free).
Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the farm wetlands woodlands site
Listen to the natural soundscape and try out distracting yourself with some other relaxing activities to replace texting, scrolling, and updating social media.
Please note we can offer this visit for FREE subject to availability and eligibility- please ask.
explore and engage programme
Suitable for pupils who are experiencing difficulties in school due to SEMH, we also offer a programme of activities that are delivered over a period of several weeks. The activities range from animal care, cooking, to woodwork and aim to improve students’ confidence, communication and teamwork skills as well as allowing them to build on new experiences by gently being led out of their comfort zone to feel more confident and self-assured.
