The Academy Farm Project Begins!

Over the past six months, work has been underway to develop an exciting new farm project at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form in collaboration with the local community and businesses. The aim of the project is to create an on-site learning space that supports students on the Community Pathway and those with SEND, providing meaningful, hands-on experiences as part of their structured curriculum.

The project will begin on a small scale with the Wheat Project, before gradually expanding to include vegetable growing and, in time, animals. As the farm develops over the coming years, students will gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and food production. To further enhance learning, equipment famously used in the Clarkson’s Farm television series will be brought onto the school site, demonstrating how modern farming has evolved and inspiring the next generation to consider careers in agriculture.

Students will also have the opportunity to visit local farms, including Farm Link, where they will learn practical skills to help develop the Academy’s farm. These experiences will play a key role in building confidence, independence and real-world understanding.

The first stage of the project involves completing a soil sample to determine what crops will grow best on the land. Local farmers visited the Academy this week with their digger to support Year 10 Community students in carrying out soil testing. This marks an exciting beginning to a project that will offer students valuable opportunities to learn outside the classroom and engage meaningfully with their local community.