Children at Co-op Academy Woodlands recently travelled to Monmouth, Wales for a residential trip to Jamie’s Farm.

Jamie’s Farm supports young people to improve their engagement in school, their attendance, mental health, encourage positive self-esteem and help students develop life-skills in a unique way. Developing these ‘soft skills’ are proven to help with pupils academic success and achievements later in life. Children are able to develop their resilience, self-control and motivation while enjoying the outdoors and getting the unique experience of life on a farm. All of our academies have the opportunity to take part!

What is Jamie’s Farm?

Jamie’s Farm uniquely combines farming, family and mindfulness sessions into a 5-day residential with a focus on giving children time and space to reflect, to renew and determine a new path for themselves. We do this by creating an environment where they feel respected, and are given opportunities to display their talents and show responsibility.

Jamie’s Farm

What does a typical day look like on the farm?

• 7.30am: Rise and shine! Morning jobs start at 8am!
• 9.15am: A delicious breakfast made by one of the groups
• 10:30 am: Farm jobs – working with the animals, doing maintenance on the farm, cooking lunch and preparing food
• 12:15 pm: A delicious lunch prepared by one of the groups
• 1:30 pm: Farm jobs – again out on the farm, doing the jobs that need doing to keep the animals healthy and what is best for the farm
• 4:00 pm: A tasty snack and then a walk or adventure
• 5:30 pm: Shower time – farm work is smelly so it’s time to get clean
• 6.30pm: A delicious evening meal and games round the table. Then a film or time by the bonfire
• 8.30pm: Time for bed!

“Spending 5 days away from home, working to run a farm is no easy task and our children certainly did our school and their parents proud.

Take a look at what we got up to! We had tons of fun and are so thankful to the Jamie’s Farm team for giving us a chance to help run their farm, to explore beautiful countryside and to thrive and be successful. We can’t wait to come back again soon.’

Thomas Trower, Assistant Headteacher