Fresh air: pupils from Broadmead Primary made the most of their farm visit
In any debates about the problems and benefits of young children, in or out of class, being glued to their devices and screens might be informed by the half-term visit of a couple of dozen pupils from a central Croydon school who went deep into the Kent countryside – with no electrics and definitely no wifi.
Pupils from Broadmead Primary have just returned from “an amazing in-nature residential” thanks to a collaboration between the Ernest Cook Trust and Bore Place, a rural retreat in Kent.
A total of 22 pupils, aged from seven to 11, stayed near a large dairy farm, where the children learnt about the matriarchy in the herd and the milking process.
“I had no idea that cows were so big in real life! Or that so much milk can come out of them!” according to one of the young visitors.
The children also took part in campfire making, woodwork and gardening activities.
Fire starters: it was back to basics for pupils, and staff
It was the children’s (and some of the staff’s) first experience of making fire and then cooking on it. The smores were particular favourites but the hot chocolate and damper bread and jam came a close second.
Another highlight included laying wildlife tunnels to expose the footprints of small creatures. The children played detective to work out who had visited their tunnel.
In addition to this trip, Broadmead Primary, part of The Pioneer Academy Trust, is also able to provide a range of enriching cultural experiences for all pupils through the Trust’s “Pioneer Passport”, which enables all pupils to take part in trips at no cost to parents and carers.
“This week has been the most incredible experience for these children,” said Sarah Hunter, Broadmead’s headteacher.
“They have grown in ways that we didn’t expect and now that they will go back to school and their families with a new perspective on nature and life.
“We cannot thank The Ernest Cook Trust and Bore Place enough for giving these children their first experience away from home and a week without the worries and pressures of our modern-day existence. Back to basics and back to nature was truly the order of the day and truly a wonderful experience for all.
“We really hope that we can be part of the project again in the future because the more children that can benefit from this amazing opportunity, the better.”
A parent commented that they were blown away by the enthusiasm of their child when they returned, after having questioned whether they could survive a week without electronics. They found that they most definitely can!
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