Marhamchurch Pupils Swap Classrooms for Farm Life

What does it take to turn a school day into a trip down on the farm? For pupils at Marhamchurch C of E Academy, the answer arrived on wheels.

Children in years 4 and 5 at the Learning Academy Partnership school have been getting a hands-on insight into food, farming and healthy eating, thanks to a visit from the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association’s Farm & Country Roadshow.

📷Farm & Country Roadshow activities

A mobile classroom with a difference

The interactive mobile classroom brought the world of agriculture directly to the pupils, helping them explore where their food comes from and how it travels from field to fork.

Through a range of practical activities, the children learned about fruit and vegetables, animal feed, and the importance of healthy food choices. Many also enjoyed dressing up and taking on roles linked to farming life, helping bring the experience to life in a fun and memorable way.

📷Pupils at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association's Farm & Country Roadshow

Reaching thousands across the county

The Royal Cornwall Show’s education programme has reached more than 10,000 primary pupils across Cornwall since launching in 2017, using hands-on learning to support curriculum topics and deepen understanding of food production and sustainability.

The session supports the school’s wider commitment to outdoor and experiential learning, where pupils are encouraged to explore the world beyond the classroom. From beach-based conservation work to environmental projects and hands-on fieldwork, Marhamchurch places a strong emphasis on learning through real experiences in nature, helping children build curiosity, responsibility and confidence in the world around them.

📷Pupils get hands-on at the Farm & Country Roadshow

What the school had to say

Deirdre Petersen, headteacher at Marhamchurch C of E Academy, said the session had landed well with the children.

“This was a brilliant hands-on experience that really helped bring farming, food and healthy eating to life for our pupils,” Deirdre said. “The children really enjoyed it, especially the chance to dress up and take part in such a fun, interactive session.”

Tracey Cleverly, Trust Lead at the Learning Academy Partnership, added: “We are really pleased to see pupils benefitting from experiences like this. Learning that is hands-on and connected to real life helps bring the curriculum to life, and it’s wonderful to see children so engaged with food, farming and where their food comes from.”

📷Marhamchurch pupils dress up for the Farm & Country Roadshow