Macclesfield: All Hallows School Farm to grow with Co-op Funding
Getting the best out of the school farm is offered to every student who goes through All Hallows.
By Alex Greensmith
Posted: Thursday, 08th February 2024 9:05 am
The Co-op in Macclesfield and its members are set to raise thousands of pounds to boost local farm and animal education.
The All Hallows School Farm brings the heart of the countryside, to the grounds of the school of the same name in Macclesfield.
And the All Hallows School Farm is one of eight Macclesfield causes the Co-op is set to raise money for in 2024.
Macclesfield Nub News went to visit the one-of-a-kind farm experience in a school-like setting, to find out more.
Jennifer Needham is a teacher who leads the School Farm at All Hallows Catholic College.
Qualified to deal with animals herself, the passionate educator spoke enthusiastically about the positives the farm has to offer.
"The All Hallows School Farm was set up about 15 years ago to let students have the opportunity to have the availability of animals in their school," she said.
"It was first set up with some chickens and then they decided to branch out to more and more animals.
"It means students have opportunities to learn about farming.
"We have a range of farm animals from pigs, sheep goats, and quails as well.
"So we are able to teach children farm-to-fork methods, making sure to care for those animals and ensure that their welfare is of the highest standard.
"We also have a range of other small animals that students can learn from as well. We have recently acquired a few reptiles."
Getting the best out of the school farm is an opportunity offered to every student who goes through All Hallows.
Year 7 and 8 pupils sign up for a session at the farm every three weeks, which takes the place of one of their usual lessons.
They get stuck in and are taught by Nigel Leake who has a full-time job looking after the farm.
"They will be doing whatever jobs are required on the day, so if it is medicating the sheep they do that, if it is cleaning out the pens they help with that too." Jennifer explained.
"Year 9 is quite an important year academically, so we don't take many students out of lessons in Year 9.
"But we ask our Year 9 pupils to apply to be Farm Leaders, so they can come to the farm at break and lunchtime, look after things, and get a bit more responsibility.
"Our Farm Leaders are also heavily involved with the fundraising of the farm as well.
"In Year 10, students can select to do their GCSE options, and we offer a Level 2 Animal Care BTEC course.
"There are 29 pupils taking this course across Year 10 and Year 11.
"But that doesn't mean you don't get to be involved with the farm if you don't take the course. Quite a lot of the Farm Leaders choose a different option but we encourage them in Year 10 and 11 to stay and help the younger ones, showing them how to do the handling."
When asked what advantages the farm brings to the children, Jennifer had this to say:
"In terms of benefits, a lot of research has gone into animal therapy," she revealed.
"Just being around animals can be really calming for the students.
"It is really good for student attendance as well, because knowing one of these sessions is coming up is really positive in that respect.
"We have got lots of SEND students with special educational needs, and sometimes having lessons five days a week is too much for those students. The farm is a good place to support them and learn skills."
Aside from being a science teacher, and head of the School Farm, a huge chunk of Jennifer's job is applying for grants to help keep the farm going.
So when the confirmation came through that the All Hallows School Farm was selected for the Co-op Local Community Fund, it was a welcome relief.
"I was so pleased," recalled Jennifer.
"I was really thrilled, I thought this is a great opportunity to show the community what we offer here.
"So many people don't realise what is behind that door, you can see the school from the front but you wouldn't know that there is a field with sheep here, unless you were one of the houses that backs onto it.
"That is something we thought is going to be a good boost for the school in knowing that the opportunity exists.
"In regards to what the Co-op money will be spent on, we are looking to increase the number of animals we have got here at school. More specifically looking at the heritage breeds, mainly because I want to ensure there are links with other subjects as well.
"So conservation with biology, but also looking at history as well, as there were certain animals that are very different to the species we breed now. For example, there were a lot more heritage breeds during the Second World War used for food production, but the choice of breed has changed as technology has improved.
"Ryeland sheep, a heritage breed, have a fleece which is useful for knitting. So it is great to show that we have got that kind of variety, the art department can use that in their work on natural fibres.
"Obviously a massive thank you to the Co-op and their members, because whatever we raise is going to be really appreciated in school and it will be a great opportunity to build up the number of animals we have got here, and to educate the students on something more than the typical school life.
"We will be able to offer more of that something extra by having additional animals in school."
The school would also like to spend money on improving their polytunnels and orchard area.
Macclesfield: For more information about the All Hallows School Farm, please head to this webpage.
To become a Co-op member and start raising funds for local causes in Macclesfield, join in-store or download the Co-op app.
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