LEAF Education Demonstration School network grows

Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School has become LEAF Education's latest Demonstration School in recognition of its exemplary work in using food, farming and the countryside across its curriculum.

The Warwickshire based primary school receives the bronze level award, for its commitment to using food production, farming and the countryside as part of its broad and balanced curriculum. The school have made a tremendous effort to embed food, farming and the environment into their curriculum through a range of initiatives.

During the past year, Our Lady’s ran a harvest festival, gardening competitions and teamed up with LEAF Education consultants, Brian Hainsworth and Elizabeth Lake, to take part in interactive workshops investigating the importance of good soil health in battling climate change.

Mrs Maggie Gourlay, Head at Our Lady’s Catholic School, said:

“We are so proud to be awarded the status of Demonstration School; it is a fitting endorsement for what we are also trying to achieve at Our Lady’s. As part of promoting a healthy lifestyle, our mission is to develop a love for outdoor learning, skills to grow produce and knowledge to make good food choices. This alliance with LEAF Education has helped enrich the children’s appreciation of local farming and respect for the environment. I would strongly encourage other schools and youth groups to get involved with them.”

Carl Edwards, Director of Education and Public Engagement at LEAF Education added:

“We are delighted to launch this pioneering new programme of Demonstration Schools, focussing specifically on food production and farming education. Much evidence shows that providing young people with opportunities to learn about how their food is produced and where it comes from has huge positive impacts in terms of promoting health and well-being, raising awareness of issues around climate change, environmental protection, population growth and sustainability.

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