Mayflower Primary School, located in the vibrant borough of Tower Hamlets in London, is excited to announce its partnership with the Foundation. With the Foundation’s generous support, Mayflower Primary School will be able to provide an extraordinary residential visit for thirty-nine Key Stage 2 pupils and five staff members. This will be a five-day adventure which will be taking place in July 2024 at Nethercott House, a picturesque farm nestled in the scenic countryside of Devon.
For many of the students, this will be their first encounter with a holiday or a rural setting.
Nethercott House, established by the renowned children’s author Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE DL, aims to provide young people with invaluable life skills, boost their confidence, and offer them an immersive understanding of rural life. This exciting collaboration offers a range of immersive learning opportunities for Mayflower Primary School students.
During their stay at Nethercott House, students will be engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. They will have the chance to feed livestock, muck out stables, tend kitchen gardens, milk cows, make yoghurt and cheese, cook meals from scratch, participate in forest school activities, and explore the neighbouring rural village. In some fortunate instances, Michael Morpurgo himself may drop in for group reading sessions, sharing his love for storytelling with the students.
Research has shown that exposing young people to rural environments has numerous benefits, allowing them to break free from the pressures of urban life and experience the freedom to explore and run wild. Mayflower Primary School anticipates that this exceptional opportunity will positively impact its students in several ways:
Boosting Resilience: By tackling unfamiliar and challenging tasks at the farm, students will develop increased resilience. This essential skill will equip them with the confidence needed for a successful transition from primary to secondary school.
Enhancing Teamwork and Communication: The farm experience will nurture teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication skills. Through practical learning activities, including real-life calculations and visits to historical sites, students will deepen their understanding of classroom concepts.
Fostering Nutritional Awareness: Students will gain valuable insights into nutrition as they engage in cooking activities using locally sourced fresh produce. Encouraging healthier food choices will contribute to combating the ongoing obesity crisis.
Cultivating Independence: The farm visit will provide students with the freedom to explore and develop their independence. The chance to roam free in a natural environment will broaden their horizons and stimulate personal growth.
Thanks to the funding from the Foundation, Mayflower Primary School is thrilled to offer its Key Stage 2 students this remarkable rural experience at Nethercott House. By immersing themselves in farm activities and embracing the countryside, these children will acquire invaluable life skills, build confidence, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them. This extraordinary opportunity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, empowering the students to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.
We can’t wait to share updates on the children’s adventures at Nethercott House. Check our website again next year for more details.