Abbotsholme is one of the very few schools in the country to have, within its grounds, a working farm upon which pupils are able to learn about animal husbandry and crop management and gain a healthy respect for the environment.
The 70-acre farm is a busy enterprise, with a beef herd of commercial cattle, a mixed flock of sheep and a poultry unit. There are many opportunities to be involved: pupils select and show cattle at Agricultural Shows, assist with veterinary procedures, take responsibility for lambing and help with the hay making as well as share in the administration.
We are particularly concerned with the conservation and enhancement of our environment, which has been recognised by a number of awards for the sympathetic use of our estate. Pupils are involved in maintaining ancient woodland, developing hedgerows and riverside plantings.
Bridget Jackson, our Farm Manager, has the primary responsibility to make the farm and estate accessible and supportive of our curriculum. As a result the farm will be even more accessible to all pupils than before. By improving the way we integrate the estate into our daily lives, we believe we can better deliver our vision of providing a genuinely broad education. Already Bridget is working hard to increase the diversity of our animal stock. The pet’s corner now comprises a goat, a Shetland pony, rabbits and chickens with more to come. We recently had the first crop of potatoes from our allotment and are now growing our own vegetables in raised plots on site. So from the land to the kitchen where domestic science lessons are able to incorporate enjoyable jam making sessions made from Damsons picked on site.
Abbotsholme is also extremely proud of its BHS approved equestrian centre. Located within the school grounds, the centre stables the school’s and pupils’ own horses, and offers tuition to beginners as well as to those working towards professional qualifications. The all-weather menage, enables riding tuition to continue year-round.
The stable yard is a popular place to be for our equestrian enthusiasts who happily involve themselves in the upkeep of the centre. A busy activity programme provides much fun with organised trips to equestrian events each term.