Foundation & Key Stage 1

Investigate how our food grows and where other amazing plants can be found at Lower Smite Farm.

• Join in the story of the Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton – a tale of a boy who turns his local area into an amazing place for people and wildlife.
• Carry out simple experiments in the wildlife garden to find a good place to plant a wheat seed.
• Help in our vegetable garden by carrying out seasonal tasks including planting seeds or harvesting vegetables
• Go on a farm walk - visit the orchard and woodland going on a wildflower treasure hunt and even meet a tree! Finish the day by creating a seed bomb.

Full day, March - September

Supports:
EYFS goals
KS1 Science: Working Scientifically, Plants

Come nose to nose with a variety of minibeasts living in different habitats.

• Play interactive games and discover the basic needs for survival
• Explore our ponds and woodland. Collect and identify minibeasts using  simple equipment
• Investigate how minibeasts are suited to the habitat they live in.
• Discover and build foodchains

Full day March - September

Supports:
EYFS goals
KS1 Science: Working Scientifically, Living Things & Their Habitats, 
Animals including Humans

A fun and interactive day exploring seasonal change on the farm

• Explore the farm following the story of the 'Very Helpful Hedgehog' by Rosie Wellesley
• In groups undertake simple tests to discover different ways that plants are spreading their seeds
• Meet a tree and find out what happens to them in autumn. Make a hedgehog from autumn leaves to take back to school
• Work as a team to harvest some apples or blackberries to taste at lunchtime
• Find out how hedgehogs are getting ready for their winter sleep by playing our hibernation game. Build a mini den for a hedgehog to end the day.

Full or half day, Sep - Nov

Supports:
EYFS goals
KS1 Science: Working Scientifically, Living Things & Their Habitats, Seasonal Changes

Winter Wonder is focussed on storytelling and discovering all about winter and its wildlife. Delve into the humorous story 'Footrprints in the Snow' by Mei Matsuoka. Mr Nice Wolf is looking to make some animal friends. Can we help him find some in your school grounds? 

During the session your class will:

• Read 'Footprints in the Snow' story altogether
• Discover wildlife tracks and signs including making animal footprints and discovering fake animal poos! 
• Mr Nice Wolf wants to make his woodland comfy and cosy for his new friends. What microhabitats does he need? We will take a closer look at plants. Depending on the year group, we will meet a tree, play a plant ID game and make our art decorations from natural materials.

This session is usually delivered in your school grounds between Nov -Feb. Costs are £180 for a standard sized class, £70 for a second class booked on the same day. Alternatively, this can be run as a full day at Lower Smite Farm. Costs for a visit to the farm are £6.50 per child.

Supports:
EYFS goals
KS1 Science: Living Things & Their Habitats, Seasonal Change,
Animals including Humans