School in focus: Whetstone Field Primary, Aldridge
In June 2007, Year 6 children and members of staff from Whetstone Field Primary school spent an extremely enjoyable week at Nethercott Farm in Devon.
Nethercott is one of three farms run by the 'Farms for City Children' charity. The charity was founded by children's writer Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare in 1976 to offer children from towns and cities the chance to spend a week in the countryside. Nethercott is a large Victorian farmhouse with magnificent views across Dartmoor.
It is situated just outside the village of Iddesleigh, close to the river Torridge.
The children left Aldridge on Friday morning for the coach journey to Devon. They were all amazed, after the long ride, as the coach drove down a small lane and the enormous house came into sight. The group was given time for a drink and a biscuit, before having a tour of the premises and a very important health and safety talk.
On Saturday morning the class split into three groups and got kitted out in wellies and waterproofs to begin their farm duties. Jobs included: stock checking cows; cleaning out the dairy; feeding calves; moving the donkeys and cleaning out their stables; feeding the poultry and working in the walled vegetable garden. Children were also expected to do some housework, as well as setting and clearing tables for mealtimes. Although initially a little bit wary, the children soon adapted to the routine and found even the most dirty jobs very satisfying to complete.
As well as the hard work, the children had the time to go on a long country walk. They spent time with a children's author, Nicola Davies, to learn about non-fiction writing and had a talk and a nature walk with a retired farmer, Tom Farley.
The house provided plenty of home comforts. The dormitories were warm and cosy with lovely views. There was a large lounge with a real fire, a playroom and a classroom. The home-cooked, organic food was fantastic and there was plenty of it. The only downside of the week was the dreadful weather, but this didn't dampen the children's enthusiasm one bit.
The children stayed on the farm for a full week. During this time they gained a deeper understanding of where food comes from and the amount of hard work involved in caring for farm animals. They were encouraged to be active and eat healthily. They arrived home extremely tired (and a little bit smelly), but happy and full of stories to tell their families and friends. It was a once in a lifetime experience that the children will take with them to their new schools.
