Stratton School Farm in Need of Help

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Stratton Upper School has a four hectare working farm with a wide diversity of livestock including pigs, chickens and over 200 turkeys at Christmas, as well as nursery plants. This farm is self funding and the pupils use the unit extensively in and out of lessons.

All year 9 students have at least one lesson of Agricultural Science in each fortnight and some groups have two. These lessons reinforce the science curriculum and environmental education, and also help students to develop personal work skills such as taking responsibility, nurturing other living things, how to form good working relationships, and how to keep safe etc.

The subject is offered as an option at KS4 when students may choose to undertake a practical National Vocational Qualification at Level 1 or a GCSE in Agricultural and Rural Science.

At KS5 students can undertake National Vocational Qualifications in either Horticulture or Livestock Production at Level 2.

The farm is an excellent resource but unfortunately it is in a state of disrepair and it's planning a £200,000 facelift. Several buildings cannot be used and others require a lot of patching. They are aiming to rebuild several areas so that they can offer a wider range of courses as well as continuing to accommodate students from other schools.

Local training and construction charity The Connolly Foundation has promised to offer its planning and technical expertise and offer additional cash after they have "ensured a proper contribution from country or Government sources" and Biggleswade architects the Levitt Partnership has backed the idea.

Stratton has also appealed to the Lottery fund for a further £100,000 and they have raised some money through non-uniform days and other student activities. However the school aims will not be met without additional funding.

If you can offer Stratton Upper School any assistance they can be contacted on 01767 220000 or email stspalmer@stratton.beds.sch.uk