Sunderland school's farm helps to engage pupils and improve attendance and behaviour

A Sunderland school has created its own farm including vegetable garden, orchard, and livestock to help increase student engagement and improve school attendance and behaviour.

What started as Sandhill View Academy’s allotment garden four years ago has now expanded to become a small farm including a vegetable field, flower garden, an orchard of 32 fruit trees, and several polytunnels.

The pupils also now care for livestock including chickens, a range of ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. All the produce is either sold to the staff or used by the school’s kitchen and Hospitality and Catering Department.

The man behind the transformation is Geography teacher and Environment and Land Based Studies lead, Aidan Hodgson.

Mr Hodgson said: “Our Land Based Studies students study for a Level 2 vocational qualification in which they learn both the theory and practical skills of horticulture and husbandry.

“As well as providing us with eggs, the animals are going to be displayed in farm shows. The students work in groups of four and the farm really teaches them about responsibility and working as a team.

“We are one of only around ten schools in the country that I’m aware of that offer this sort of course and facility.”

As well as also providing a learning resource for academic subjects including Geography and the sciences, the farm is also being used as a means of engaging and incentivising students who may be struggling with their attendance or focus in lessons.

Aidan said: “The farm has had an amazing impact on our students, some of whom may struggle in lessons, but thrive in an outdoor practical situation. The groups of students who come down to the farm may be seen as challenging, but I never have any issues with behaviour on the farm.

“It has also improved student attendance. For example, I have one student who struggles to attend regularly, but on the days she has Land Based Studies she is always in school as she knows she has the responsibility for the animals.

“Accepting the responsibility of knowing these animals need to be fed, watered and cleaned really motivates the students to be in school.

“It’s also used by our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Department as a place where the children can interact with and observe the animals and nature.”

Being part of the farm project certainly seems to have had the desired affect on pupils.

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Zac Mcperlin, 14, said: “Coming to the farm is the best thing about being at Sandhill. You learn a lot about biology by tending to the crops and looking after the animals.”

Year 10 pupil Riley Price, 14, said: “I like learning outside of the classroom and it’s much better doing something hands on than learning about it out of a text book.”

Classmate Emmy Bulmer added: “I really like the responsibility of looking after the animals and I’m always in school when I have Land Base Studies.”

The school is sponsored by Farmgate Feeds who provide food for the school’s animals free of charge.

Company representative Lisa Mancell was visiting the school farm to see the work carried out by the youngsters.

She said: “This is an amazing facility for the pupils to use and we just wanted to support the school to free up funds for other things.”

Yesterday (June 23), the school hosted a garden party to celebrate the work and achievements of the students who have got the farm up and running.