Teachers' Pets

Description

Ralph Rayner, the charismatic and enthusiastic head of agriculture at Redborne School in Bedfordshire, describes the growth and development of his farm, from its early beginnings to the present, where all pupils get a taster lesson in agriculture in Year 9.

Getting involved and being part of the team is very important and pupils studying for GCSEs or NVQs in agriculture and horticulture explain how their work experience has made a real difference to their performance on their courses. One student, who found his GCSEs difficult, describes how his farm job has boosted his confidence and given him a much-needed sense of purpose.

The school farm is also popular with the art, maths and science departments. As Andy Hodds, a science teacher, puts it: "Pupils see biology in action".

Ralph and Shane Durham, the farm technicians, have no doubt the school farm offers pupils a "truly magical and enriching experience".

This programme shows:

• How agriculture education can benefit all areas of school life
• How hands-on extracurricular learning can boost pupil performance

Part of the series: Inspirations