There was a taste of country life in the heart of London, when children from a Croydon school swapped classroom learning for a trip to Spitalfields City Farm.
The Year 5 pupils from Chestnut Park Primary enjoyed close encounters with the Farm’s resident animals, which include sheep, pigs, donkeys, goats, chickens, ferrets, rabbits, and a cat.
The Farm, which was founded in 1978 and is situated in 1.3 acres of land in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, also features a community vegetable garden with onsite farm shop, and a wildlife garden that is home to rare newts, as well as rescued honey bees, and a host of other fauna and flora.
“The children fed and petted the animals, and learnt about farm food,” said Claire Sisson, Year 5 Teacher and Year Group Lead at Chestnut Park, which is a member of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust.
“It was great for the children to be in touch with nature.”
“I loved petting and holding the animals – the chicken in particular,” said Year 5 pupil Anayah, while classmate Teagan added: “The little goat tried to eat my hair!”
The trip linked to the children’s wider curriculum studies, and was taking place for the second year running.
“Visiting a farm is an important experience for pupils, offering opportunities to interact with animals and explore the natural environment,” continued Ms Sisson, who accompanied the children with fellow Year 5 Teachers Rachel Ramus and Phebe Darkwah, and Year 5 Teaching Assistants Roquiaya Shaikh and Keisha Pennant.
“It helps them build confidence, develop empathy, and understand where food comes from.
“Such trips support hands-on learning, enhance wellbeing, and create memorable experiences that enrich their understanding beyond the classroom.”
