ChildWise: Year of Food and Farming

YEAR OF FOOD AND FARMING

COUNTDOWN TO THE YEAR OF FOOD AND FARMING BEGINS

Schools can now register online for resources, materials and events

Schools now have the opportunity to get involved with the Year of Food and Farming, the programme which aims to give pupils direct experiences of the food chain and the countryside. Details about the Year have been sent to more than 20,000 headteachers and specialist subject heads across the country, encouraging them to sign up to the brand new website – www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk.

ChildWise were invloved in extensive exploratory research, with primary and secondary school pupils, as part of the preparation for this event.

Once the Year officially begins in September, all registered schools will be sent regular updates on the campaign, including programme suggestions to help engage pupils in core parts of the curriculum.

Backed by farms and businesses across the country, pupils will be offered an unprecedented level of hands-on learning experiences based around three core areas: visits, growing experiences, and cooking food. With materials and events displayed on an interactive map, teachers will be able to track down local initiatives within just a few clicks of the mouse. Classes will also be able to create their own unique School Space on the site, showcasing the achievements of their classes and pupils.

The programme, which aims to re-capture children’s imagination about food and how it is produced, has strong Government support, and is aiming to set up new partnerships between thousands of schools and farms during the course of the Year.

Tony Cooke, Programme Director of the Year of Food and Farming, commented:

“It’s exciting to see our plans begin to come to fruition, as we work to create simple, accessible resources which will make food and farming a stimulating, relevant way to approach the curriculum.

“From farmers to retailers, the whole food chain has got behind this campaign, so that a generation of young people can see first-hand how their food is produced. We hope these activities will add up to a learning experience which pupils will never forget, transforming the way food and farming is seen in and out of the classroom.

“We’re not starting from scratch – many schools have a long tradition of working with food and farming – but as our website launches we’re redoubling our efforts to create new partnerships, events and resources. Visit www.yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk to register your interest in the campaign.”