Farm Festivities - Graduation 2022

After the success of last year's graduation in the forest, we decided to hold one of our Induction days in the forest setting for this year’s cohort. Our trainee teachers appreciated the opportunity to find out about the benefits of taking learning outside early in their training. Being in the forest right at the start of their training also allowed them space to bond and get to know each other – there really have been friendships forged for a lifetime on this course.

​After discussing what they wanted for Graduation, it was clear that a return to the outdoors felt fitting. So this year our Graduation was held at West Town Farm in Ide. This is an organic farm in a beautiful setting where many schools come for their educational visits. The farm boasts a brilliant outdoor classroom, a large barn area and many opportunities for children to learn about nature, farming and being creative. The farm staff and the Organic Arts team who ran some creative activities for us were so helpful. It was great to introduce our ECTs to a place where they may take classes of children in the future.

We started the day with a walk around the farmland. Along the way our ECTs collected leaves, flowers and other botanical specimens whilst also enjoying the various sights and livestock along the way (including Louise’s delightful black lab, Nessie).  Eventually we gathered at “The Henge”. This was the project of an art student around 14 years ago and is a circular clearing where 13 native tree species of the UK are planted in a henge-like circle around a raised fire pit.

​The Organic Arts facilitators showed us how rich clay could be dug from a seam near the Henge and our ECTs enjoyed using this to make thumb pots (or in one case, a penguin!) and decorating them with the materials they had found. Whilst enjoying being creative and learning something they could do with children, this was also a lovely opportunity for everyone to catch up since our training in the Spring. When we returned to the farm, we enjoyed a delicious lunch (thank you to Louise, Sara and our visiting tutors for lending a hand to the pizza baking!). 

After lunch we gathered in the barn and were joined by Russell Pearson, Deputy Headteacher at Willowbrook School. Russell delivered an inspiring keynote speech which reminded all of why this profession is such a brilliant one. We gifted all of our trainees with a visualiser – they have certainly learnt the importance of modelling this year!

We finished the celebrations with a toast to our fabulous cohort, reflecting on the incredible commitment of these Early Career Teachers and the exciting careers ahead of them. We wish them, and all of our colleagues from our partner schools and across the Hub, a happy end to the term and a restful holiday over the summer.

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