Confirmation from the provinces that those folk at FACE have grand ambitions for themselves and others. Hence the Countryside Classroom, which, according to FACE is:
"... an online portal that enables teachers to quickly and easily access high-quality resources, as well as identifying venues for class visits and local services and networks who can provide support. Countryside Classroom removes the barriers that have prevented many teachers from engaging with teaching about food, farming and the natural environment in the past. It clarifies and adds context to the wealth of support and resource that is available by making it accessible from a single point and by ensuring that it is of the highest quality."
Although English grammar is obviously not one of FACE's strong suits (happily for them, Mr Gove has gone to sort the prisons out), the intent is clear. Countryside Classroom will be launched in September. Its website is here.
You might become a Countryside Classroom partner, although it will cost you. As a partner, you have to commit "to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn about and experience food, farming and the natural environment", which seems a bit strong – all children? Everywhere? Blimey.
It goes on:
"Countryside Classroom is actively seeking organisations to join the Consortium of partners to ensure that it continues to be a high quality, relevant resource for schools. Each member of the Countryside Classroom Consortium is able to maximise the impact of their own work through collaboration with complementary partners. As the largest partnership of its kind, it offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, expertise and networks, to collaborate in new ways and to address shared challenges."
You can see the costs and benefits here. The Countryside Classroom is for all those who, literally and metaphorically, are in "the field". It may be muddy.
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