Mucking in to bring out best in all (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Mucking in to bring out best in all

8:35am Monday 22nd June 2009 in

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The all-new Prism City Farm, in Girlington, designed, built and run by young people, is now open.

It offers those who have been excluded from school, are at risk of offending or who just seek a career in farming the chance to get their hands dirty learning vital skills.

The farm is also accredited by the Open College Network, so young people have an opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs.

Such projects may be unusual but they are an important part of a well-rounded education system because, when it comes to learning, a ‘one size fits all’ approach will just not do.

While the majority of pupils may well benefit from traditional schooling, there will always be a minority who feel it is not for them.

Engaging with this group is a real challenge, but one that must be met if they are ever to find their feet in society.

Vocational education has long offered a way of doing this, but it is important that this option stands comparison with its mainstream counterpart if it is to appeal to young people.

Exciting projects such as Prism City Farm can go a long way to achieving that and it will hopefully not be long before some of its trainees are finding their feet in the industry.