Farm School Programming
Field trip series for grades K-3
Farm-based education to support and enhance local curriculum
Our farm school program supports K-3 learning and social development through year-round outdoor education.
Designed to complement and enhance BC curriculum, our program invites students to get their hands dirty as they participate in a full season on a working farm. Activities range from seeding in the greenhouse, planting and harvesting in our learning garden, feeding animals, and cooking in the farm kitchen.
“All of the field trips combined fun, movement, and meaningful, hands on learning activities, making a tremendously positive impact on the children’s learning. After each trip, my students were making new connections between the farm activities and science activities done in the classroom/school gardens, all while showing greater observational skills, interest, and understanding.”
Each participating class visits the farm four times over the school year, beginning in the fall and ending in early summer. The field trips are full day experiences, encompassing garden tasks, nature activities, place-based art, cooking projects, and animal visits. Participation from community mentors, from local chefs to yoga instructors to other farmers, build local connection and invite fresh perspectives.
Throughout the school year on the farm, students are encouraged to be creative, test their ideas, and see how their actions can affect the environment and their community in positive ways.
Our program is offered in collaboration with Neighbourhood Farm Schools.
How does the Farm School program work?
Participating classes visit the farm for a series of full-day field trips in fall, winter, spring, and early summer
Students are encouraged to be curious, confident, and cooperative as they work together in the garden, complete cooking projects, and participate in other outdoor learning and play
Over the school year, the program totals 20 hours of on-site instruction over four, 5-hour field trips
Our program is available for grades K-3, and is fully funded through our partner, Neighbourhood Farm Schools, as well as generous support from our local community. There is no cost for students
Currently we work with Fernwood Elementary and Salt Spring Elementary. We look forward to expanding the program over the coming years
Farm-based learning builds confidence and cooperation. Our program helps students see how their actions can affect the environment in positive ways.
Interested in getting involved?
We love collaboration! Learn more about what we do and how you can support our programming by visiting Neighbourhood Farm Schools.
Photos by Billie Woods Photography @billiewoodsphotography