It’s baa-tastic! Norfolk school welcomes lamb into lessons
Children learn to look after sheep – and the sheep learn some ewesful maths!
Aldborough Primary School in North Norfolk welcomed a ewe and her lamb for a baa-tastic week to learn about animal husbandry and, more especially, sheep and how to look after them. The whole school was involved in the project, led by the Lamb Team of Theo, Ettie, Joey, Rosie, Hazel, Archie, Millie and Charlie, ably assisted by teaching assistant Rebecca Smith.
Head teacher Helen Bearman was delighted that Aldborough was one of the schools chosen to take part in this fantastic project, which is organised by Norfolk agricultural education charity, the Food and Farming Discovery Trust. She says, “We are hugely grateful to all involved in the project and special thanks goes to farmer Dameon Layt, who lent the sheep, and the project’s sponsors The Clan Trust.
“We’re in the heart of an agricultural community so it’s especially exciting for the children to have this opportunity. The sheep have been such an inspiring learning aid, engaging the children throughout the school.”
Rebecca Smith agrees, “It has been a joy to see the developing relationship between the sheep and the children, and the confidence that it has given to the children,” she says.
Charlie, aged 10, is one of the Lamb Team that oversaw looking after the sheep. “The best thing about having the ewe and lamb at Aldborough has been getting to know them and finding out what they need,” he says.
Hazel, aged 9, is also on the Lamb Team. “I like the way they eat from our hands because it feels lovely and warm,” she says.
Meanwhile, it’s clear that the sheep are enjoying lessons, too – and are picking up some ewesful knowledge. As Hazel explains, “Sometimes they ‘baa’ in our lessons just as if they know the answer to our maths questions!”
The picture shows farmer Dameon Layt introducing a lamb to The Lamb Team.
Aldborough Primary School is in North Norfolk, between Aylsham and Cromer, and has 127 children on roll. Visit www.aldborough.norfolk.sch.uk for more information.
About the Educational Livestock Project
The Food and Farming Discovery Trust teamed up with Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership and Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association to help young people learn about livestock. This hands-on opportunity offers schools the chance to look after ewes and their lambs at their school, for one whole week. The project, sponsored by Clan Trust, is aimed at giving children, ranging from reception to high school age, the chance to learn about animal husbandry and to engage schools in food and farming education.
For more information on the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, look out for the launch of the new Discovery Hub. In the meantime go to www.rnaa.org.uk to learn more.