London primary school transformed into farm for the day complete with livestock

“That is what our Farmvention competition is all about – bridging the gap between the next generation, especially those in urban areas, and the food on their plates.

“The education system has such an important role to play in opening children’s minds to new opportunities. The success of this year’s Farmvention competition shows how well the food and farming context fits within STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning, and offers children the chance to explore and experience a completely new area that they otherwise might miss."

Ronald Ross headteacher Abby Brady said the children had ‘loved stepping into the shoes of a farmer’ for the day. Some of the children had never travelled outside of London.

She added: “It has shown our pupils that there are amazing opportunities awaiting them in Britain’s countryside. It has really helped broaden their horizons, especially as many of the children haven’t even been outside of London.

“As a headteacher there is nothing better than pupils who are enthusiastic about learning and it has been amazing to see them so excited to experience new things, from making pizzas and flying drones to brushing ponies and caring for newly-hatched chicks.”

Some of the activities included:

• Ronald Ross ‘farm’ with sheep, goats and ponies
• Flying drones
• Bug hotels
• Pizza and yogurt making
• Hatching chicks
• Potato harvesting
• ’Milking’ a model cow