Kent County Agricultural Society will once again open its doors for the Kent Schools’ Farm Fair. In 2007, over 4,000 Kent Primary School children from 92 Kent schools participated in the Society’s fourth educational event called ‘The Living Land’.
Each year teachers get the opportunity to take learning into the countryside when the Showground becomes a ‘living classroom’ for the day. Thursday 10 May 2007 will be the fourth Kent Schools Farm Fair. Activities will be linked to the National Curriculum, focusing on academic Years 3 and 4 (7 – 9 year olds). Representatives from all schools attend a pre-event information and training session where curriculum aid packs are distributed. Alan Mount from Mid-Kent Education Business Partnership said that this type of event is invaluable to primary educators. “The Living Land is a truly wonderful event and the feedback from schools last year was extremely positive. The children really benefited from a hands on approach to farming, food and the countryside”, said Mr. Mount.
The event is free to schools but funding in 2007 came from the Society and outside sponsors. “We hope to promote a better understanding of farming and rural life before, during and after the event. It is crucial that the children experience a wide range of interesting activities that incorporate the important issues of agriculture, horticulture, environment, wildlife and conservation” explained David Goff, Event Organiser. “It is vital that young children have access to all aspects of the countryside and we are working very hard to get the best possible displays and in particular to get the healthy eating message across”. FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) have had regular meetings to finalise the educational content and ensure that the day will cover many important aspects of Key Stage 2 in the National Curriculum.
The main emphasis of the day will be learning through fun. It will be very hands on for the children and displays will include; The Sheep Show, The Hawking Centre, John Whiteley and his Sheep Dogs, The Working Horse Trust, Kent Beekeepers Association, Nick Leggatt -Dairy Farmer and Farrier demonstrations.. In addition to this there will be many displays showing traditional rural crafts, country pursuits, farm equipment and exhibitors from all sectors of Agriculture. “Children have always enjoyed the animals and educational activities at the Kent Show so it seemed natural to hold an event where they could participate” explained David Goff. The Society will be lending its full support to the day along with Kent Young Farmers who will be bringing livestock to demonstrate animal welfare and husbandry and additional members to help steward the young people from one activity to another. It is hoped that the pupils and teachers will benefit from the day and that the children will come away with a better understanding of where food comes from and the processes involved in its production.