Embracing the great outdoors at Lower Smite Farm

Embracing the great outdoors, Year 3 ventured down to Lower Smite Farm for an educational day out; what a great time they had. Located in Hindlip, just a short minibus drive from King’s St Alban’s, the 150-acre working arable farm is owned and fun by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

The day started with the cohort getting to grips with and learning all about different food groups, to which food groups various foods belonged, and the function of each food group. There was much excitement as the children approached the vegetable garden, where they had great fun pulling up vegetables and discussing how important worms are for the soil. Particularly productive, the children harvested pumpkins, beetroot, runner beans, tomatoes and potatoes, some of which produce made their way back to school for the Harvest Festival!

Next on the agenda was worm-charming. The children loved bashing a fork on the ground to imitate raindrops and encourage worms to the surface. There was great excitement as a worm or two emerged.

After lunch it was time to put on those wellington boots and head into the deep dark woods! The children discovered facts about animal teeth before examining different animal skulls, from the largest, belonging to a horse, through to the tiniest, being that of a mouse. The children were fascinated to find out about hedgehog teeth and how they are designed to shovel their food into their mouths.

The day ended with the children acting as hedgehogs, on a hunt for various insects hidden amongst the trees. There was plenty of giggling and excitement, as you might imagine. The day was a huge success, and the children look forward to extending their learning on the topic as they head back into the classroom.