Outdoor Work
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It is a place where students put into practice the school motto, 'work of each for weal of all', and really understand how their contribution matters, both now and in the future. Our aim in Outdoor Work is to become renowned for running an ethical and sustainable farm/smallholding that has education at its heart.
"The school has its own farm and pupils plant trees, keep bees and learn about livestock management, blacksmithing, hedge laying, timber framing and wood whittling."
Good Schools Guide
What do students get from Outdoor Work?
Outdoor Work incorporates a holistic approach to learning and student welfare, taking into account the student’s journey; their effort, enthusiasm and development. We also aim to make the time they spend with us fun; this can mean learning a new skill or simply relaxing their brains as they undertake physical work. They also gain the satisfaction of seeing instant results from their efforts. We see the development of both problem solving and social skills, enhanced respect for themselves and their environment, and ownership of their own work. These things are hugely beneficial for their sense of responsibility, confidence and discipline.
Outdoor Work staff
The department plays an important role in staff welfare and professional development within the school. We regularly have experts in for a day to teach students a specialised craft or to train staff and equip them with the necessary skills to teach the basics to students. For example, over the past year we have had a farrier, willow weaver, and timber framer visit to teach students and interested staff.
Visiting blacksmith, Lucille Scott, works from the Sotherington Barn once a week, and provides an opportunity for staff to sign up to a short course in blacksmithing.
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Every student who joins Bedales will get to experience Outdoor Work in Block 3. Rotating through a carousel of skills, all students gain some exposure to each area of ODW's rich variety of activities. These include planting trees, beekeeping, hedgelaying, timber framing, wood whittling, making chutneys and jams, weaving and spinning wool, and working with our livestock. Students are also assigned a garden plot and a polytunnel plot to help manage and grow a variety of fruit and vegetables over the year. The produce is used in the Bakehouse, where bread and other traditional food is made every week; groups take it in turns to work on this important element of school life.
A typical week's session may see one group blacksmithing candle holders whilst another group works in the wool room spinning wool. Or one group could be found in the polytunnels tending their vegetable plots, another moving sheep, whilst the other makes quiche in the Bakehouse using homegrown produce. Students are not formally assessed in Block 3. An opportunity to deepen the skills developed on this course is available in the corresponding Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) option in Blocks 4 and 5 (Years 10 and 11).
Head of Faculty
Andrew Martin, Head of Outdoor Work