LEAF and FACE have an exciting opportunity to bring the world of farming, food and the environment directly into your classroom.
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), has recently merged with FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) and work together educating young people and the wider public regarding the agricultural industry as a whole.
LEAF and FACE are listed in our Food Growing Schools: London Directory of supporting organisations – see the Directory here.
What is FaceTime/Skype a Farmer?
FaceTime/Skype a Farmer has operated a successful pilot scheme in the East of England and they would now like to extend the invite to your school.
British farmers work in a modern, high-tech industry and are eager to engage with young people. LEAF and FACE would like to facilitate either a FaceTime or Skype call between your classroom and a farmer (either locally or from another part of the UK or both).
The Process
They want to make this easy for teachers to organise as well as engaging and informative for the students.
Download this pdf for full details: #Farming Friday – Schools
A designated teacher emails the farmer a week before the call to either:
- Give the farmer questions to answer from your students
– Or –
- Discuss areas of the National Curriculum / Exam Specifications you are currently covering that might relate to food, farming or the environment.
The farmer will then be able to talk to your class over Skype or FaceTime, from a location on his/her farm – either in the field, the barn, tractor, harvester, etc.
For example, farmers are able to talk about soil, animal welfare, seasons, the farm as a business, etc.
Ideally this is best suited to a registration/tutor time once per week / two weeks / monthly to last between 10-20minutes. But ultimately the project is flexible to best meet your needs
The farmers will all be current working farmers who have a passion for talking about what they do and engaging with young people … perhaps even inspiring a future generation to consider the agricultural industry as a career option. Many of the farmers will have experience of hosting and running school visits.
Currently LEAF/FACE are looking for the names and contact details of schools that would be interested and have the capability to Skype or FaceTime a farmer.
If you are interested, please send in the following details to
Name and Address of School:
Age Range:
Teacher Contact Name:
Teacher Contact Email:
Best time for your call to take place:
This initiative is starting in the Spring Term of 2018. Once we have the details of the schools that are interested they can find a farmer for you to start an engaging conversation between schools and farmers.
In the meantime, if you would like any further information please feel free to contact your Regional Education Consultant.
About Countryside Classroom
Countryside Classroom helps teachers to find resources, places to visit and school support relating to the themes of food, farming and the natural environment. Our site contains a range of quality assured educational content from hundreds of contributors.
About LEAF
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is the leading organisation delivering more sustainable food and farming. LEAF works with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers to inspire and enable sustainable farming that is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities. We are leading a collaborative approach within the industry for better education and public engagement in farming, food and the countryside among the public, children and young people.
About FACE
FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) is the leading educational charity working with schools to help children and young people understand the connection between farming and their daily lives. FACE creates high quality educational experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, that change perspectives and deepen understanding of the food we eat, the people who produce it and the choices we all make as citizens.
