Year 5 Residential to Magdalen Farm
Year 5 had a one night residential trip to the wonderful Magdalen Farm which lies on the Somerset/Dorset border. Magdalen is a working Organic Farm and the trip had an environmental and sustainability focus as well as a useful bonding experience for the year group.
The children arrived, ate lunch and then began their afternoon activities. The year group were split into 2 groups. Group 1 went pond dipping and had enormous fun identifying tiny pond life, collecting vast amounts of pond weed and trying hard not to let themselves fall in.
Group 2 explored the vegetables grown and the animals on the farm. Apples, tomatoes, rocket have been picked and tested. The polytunnels are full of tomatoes, squash, aubergines, carrots and lettuces. The children fed animals to 2 of the 42 pigs on site and also fed hay to some gorgeous Devon Red cows.
The children then swapped groups so all took part in the range of activities on offer.
On Day 2, the children learnt about looking after chickens and the different types of farmed eggs and then had a slightly competitive Orienteering challenge around the farm before returning home.
The weather was in our favour, the children were polite, respectful, listened well and took part in all the activities. It really was a lovely 48 hours.
Thank you so much to the parents for allowing us to take your children and to the adults who gave up their evening to go on the trip; Miss Checklin, Mr Hogg, Mrs Harris, Mr Young and Mrs Parsons. We are grateful to you all.