Food and Farming with Primary Pupils

Over three days in October, pupils from Winnall Primary School joined Winchester College staff and pupils to celebrate UN World Food Day through a rich programme of experiences exploring sustainability in food production and preparation. During this annual event, children from Years 5 and 6 learnt about everything from farming and foraging to survival skills and smoothies.

A visit to Rushmere Farm in the Meon Valley gave insights into the benefits of organic farming and during a trip to Cameron's Cottage in the New Forest, the children enjoyed foraging in the forest, hunting for fungi and harvesting quinces to make into jelly on an open fire.

The children spent the third day at Winchester, where they learnt about fitness and nutrition with our rowing coaches, and explored forest survival with our Natural History Fellow, Eve Cavey. They particularly enjoyed working with our chefs on the smoothie bike and, after a session on World Food Day, the group embraced the challenge of a debate on the topic of hunger with the College's debating team.

Alison Rhodes, Headteacher of Winnall Primary School, said of the programme, "Thank you so much for your kindness to our children last week. They thoroughly enjoyed their days out with you, and were especially excited about Cameron's Cottage. We really appreciated the time and effort that goes into working with us at Winnall, and are very grateful for what you, your team and the senior pupils do."