St Augustine’s Priory School for girls, has 13 acres of land which they have Priory School farm on, to maximize the potential of for their students and families. It provides educations opportunities for the students and learn about the politics of food-security and how to sustain crops in drought. The Priory farm is sustainable and self sufficient enterprise within the school.
Animal Livestock
The farm includes:
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Pigs
- Rare breed of sheep
Educational Benefits
At the school students take on the role of Farm Managers, which enhances their life skills. They also tend to the animals during weekends and holidays. Sixth Formers preparing for Veterinary Science applications are learning problem solving in animal husbandry including lambing.
Although it is a day school, pastoral care is provided throughout the year. Parents participate as well, whether it’s collecting acorns and apples from the orchard for the pigs or selling eggs to purchase chicken feed, instilling lifelong habits. The farm also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and promotes sustainability. The eggs from the chickens are sold which then pays for the food for all the animals. They also raise their own chicks. Local schools bring their nursery children to visit.
The sheep rotate around the grounds reducing the need for using lawn mowers; pigs’ “black gold” becomes manure in the allotment where girls, parents and staff grow vegetables. Wool from the sheep deters slugs and snails at the allotment.
To learn more about the farm, watch a short clip below:
The orchard, boasting over 30 trees, some over 100-year-old trees. Newer varieties chosen by girls, such as the Golden Rain Tree and historic Wild Service tree shown below:
To arrange a visit to the Priory Farm and the school email the office office@sapriory.com.
For further information climate learning in schools look at ActforEaling school resources.
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