The School at Hackney City Farm is now closed. It was a unique alternative education provider for young people not in school because of behavioural, emotional and/or social difficulties leading to lack of engagement, disaffection and poor attendance.
The School's mission was to engage, nurture, care and prepare young people for their future lives. They worked with a small group of up to 10 young people between the ages of 13 to 17. They also offered part-time courses for groups of students.
The school forms part of the much loved Hackney City Farm and our young people receive their education in a farm environment where they can gain skills in animal husbandry, horticulture, farm building maintenance, bicycle maintenance, cooking, and much more.
Our curriculum is based around basic skills, vocational education and personal development.
Our students are entered for Functional Skills examinations at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT. Some students also sit Maths GCSE.
We use the Open College Network London to accredit our courses in animal husbandry, horticulture, bicycle maintenance and emergency first aid. We offer BTEC Level 1 and Level 2 Home Cooking Skills.
A core component of our curriculum focuses on improving young people’s emotional and social wellbeing. This is delivered primarily through the PHSE curriculum, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring. A number of our students gain a Step Up Award in Personal Development accredited by the Open College Network London.
Most days include outdoor activities and sports, as well as environmental, practical and creative projects.
We have achieved great success in stabilising and improving attendance, improving re-engagement with the education process and ensuring that all our young people progress to good quality destinations.
The School is a referral unit for young people with diverse educational backgrounds. Of the 8 students that completed examinations at the School in the 2016-2017 academic year we are pleased to report that 7 achieved Maths Functional Skills at Level 3. Additionally 2 students gained English at Level 2 and 1 an accredited ICT qualification.
All students had improved attendance as a result of attending the School. Upon leaving all 8 planned to continue in further education in a variety of fields.
Ofsted Report Summary 01.04.2022
10214682 The school at Hackney City Farm - Published Report
