We are very lucky at GRK to be situated on a farm with plenty of outdoor space which we use to it's full potential in delivering the more physical side of our curriculum. Working outside in the natural environment offers a therapeutic release from the everyday classroom, giving pupils fresh air, a chance to reflect and work hard on the sessions that are being delivered. It builds not only subject knowledge but also self-esteem.
BTEC Land Based Studies
The BTEC in Land Based Studies offers pupils a qualification which develops core skills when working with animals, plants and machinery as well as the theory which allows them to work with expert staff towards a qualification in a field they have genuine interest in. Our BTEC widens career prospects as it gives practical experience to take forward to a more vocational career. The BTEC is extremely versatile and allows pupils to focus on a range of skills from animal handling, the study of plants and how to use and maintain a tractor. This diverse offer holds their interest and highlights at least one key area to be passionate about. Pupils work through the Pearson BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award in Land-based Studies and can move on to their Diploma when they have successfully achieved these first stages. The BTEC is split into the following four areas - Small Animal Care, Equine, Horticulture, and Tractors.
Small Animal Care
Small Animal Care: We have a variety of species at GRK from different mammals through to reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects for pupils to care for. Pupils will learn how to feed, clean out, health check and understand animal behaviour in these lessons.
Different from small animal care because these lessons focus purely on the horses we have at GRK. Pupils will learn what it takes to care for our horses, understand their behaviour, their evolution, how to keep them healthy and what their dietary needs are. In the summer term we make every effort to give pupils the chance to go horse riding too.
Horticulture: We have our own allotment and polytunnel where pupils learn what it takes to grow fruit and vegetables from seed to table. What the pupils grow regularly make it to the GRK lunch table and even to market to help them see how money can be earned from growing fruit and veg.
Tractors: Once pupils are old enough they have the opportunity to learn how to drive a tractor and earn a LANTRA qualification. This is such an exciting experience for all of our pupils as this is often the first vehicle they learn to drive.
During Bushcraft pupils have the opportunity to really explore the great outdoors. Pupils learn how to make fire using flint and steel, and then how to use the fire to cook for themselves. The weatherproof GRK camp provides permanent shelter, where pupils learn the skills required to survive outdoors drawing inspiration from different time periods and how humans sustained themselves.
Sport plays a key part in the education of pupils at the GRK and we are very lucky to have access to the farm to be able to be outside for as many of our lessons as possible. Pupils have 4 sport lessons a week, 2 within their groups and 2 as a whole school. Their group sessions focus on fitness and personal skills within the sport we are doing for that week. In the whole school sessions we focus more on the games to give pupils a chance to use the skills they have learnt and to teach them about sportsmanship. We are lucky to have access to swimming, tennis & gyms outside of school to help give the pupils more opportunities to learn and hope to pursue this more in the future.
In sport we aim to:
Encourage our pupils to lead a healthy and active lifestyle;
Provide a detailed understanding of the importance of physical exercise and healthy eating;
Broaden knowledge base of different sporting competitions;
Create a well rounded sportsperson who can carry his/her sporting experiences off the pitch and implement them into their daily routines;
Maintain healthy competition amongst peers.
"Leaders and trustees have designed a very well-structured curriculum. Subjects such as land studies and equine studies, combined with a wide range of trips and visits, capture pupils’ interest and motivate them to learn." - Ofsted