The John Hanson School in Andover has been named as the 10th LEAF Education Demonstration School, recognising its exemplary work in showcasing food and farming through education.
The school received the accolade at an event held yesterday (June 30) at The Leckford Estate, a LEAF Demonstration Farm, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership and supplies Waitrose.
LEAF Education launched its Demonstration Schools network in 2019 to recognise schools using food production, farming and the countryside as a core element of the school curriculum. John Hanson School has joined the network after meeting several criteria.
This includes exemplary teaching methods, engagement with farmers, provision of school gardens, nature-friendly grounds and wider school community engagement, including events and hands-on activitiesleaf education specifically designed around the field to fork story.
LEAF Education director of education and public engagement, Carl Edwards, explained:
“It is so important to shine a light on schools that are leading the way in embedding farming into their teaching and support them in developing a whole school ethos, based on building deeper and richer connections with young people and the food they eat.
The John Hanson School is delivering just this: engaging pupils, encouraging innovation and driving forward real improvements in how our consumers of the future connect with food and farming and wider issues around sustainability, climate change, diets and well-being.
“We are delighted to welcome them to the LEAF Education Demonstration School Network, and excited to see the role they will play in in inspiring other schools.”
