Key stage 3

£4 per pupil | Visit must include the garden and farmyard

During these two 90-minute sessions pupils will spend time in both the Kitchen Garden and farmyard learning about lifecycles of plants and animals.

Kitchen Garden

In the Kitchen Garden we will observe vegetables and fruits growing and find out whether the part we eat is above or below ground. We will discuss growing plants from seeds and seasonality and how climate impacts growing produce.

We will find out a plants requirements for growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) and investigate the importance of soil and why we need to look after it. We will consider the idea that plants also need nutrients and that they get these from the soil.

We will explore the cutting flower garden and identify all the parts of a flower and spot pollinators on the way. We will discuss how important pollinators are to the garden.

We will consider how the garden is sustainable and where the fruit, vegetables and flowers are used at Chatsworth.

Pupils will be able to describe and compare the structure of a variety of common animals and plants. Explore the part that flowers play in the life cycle of flowering plants, including pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal. Identify how pollinators and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways and that adaptation may lead to evolution.

Pupils will get the opportunity to taste produce from the garden.

Farmyard

The session will be exploring the farmyard learning about the life cycles of our farm animals. On the tour pupils will meet horses, pigs, sheep and hens. During the visit pupils will have the opportunity to handle/touch some of the animals.

During the session we will introduce children to the topic of farm welfare, where food comes from, the needs of the farm animals and how we look after them.

Pupils will learn how farming has changed over the years and how the farmyard at Chatsworth is home to some rare breeds and how important they are to our history.

Curriculum links: science and technology

£2 per pupil | Visit must include farmyard

A 30-minute tractor and trailer tour through the Chatsworth parkland learning about the animals who make the park their home and the people who look after it. Full commentary will be given by the driver about the sheep (lambs during lambing season) and farming on the estate. Other animals you may see are cows and the two types of deer we have on the estate.

The trailer has lap belts, a ramp and wheelchair clamping facility.

Curriculum links: science

Available from September 2022

£2 per pupil | Visit must include the house

Discover the house with our learning team who will facilitate a visit linked to history or art and design in this interactive experience. There are two tour options for secondary students, linking to specific areas of study:

• History: ancient, early modern and modern
• Art & design

Curriculum Links: history, art & design

Available from September 2022

£2 per pupil | Visit must include the house or garden

Use a range of looking, drawing and analysis techniques to explore a selection of classical and contemporary sculptural objects. This session includes observational drawing skills taking place inside the house and/or the garden. Learners will be introduced to a select range of 3D objects to study. Learners will practice drawing from observation and making visual notes through mark making and reflective annotation. These drawings and marks will be used as a basis for a 3D sculptural interpretation, demonstrating an appreciation of form and manipulation of materials.

Art workshops include an interactive talk and practical art-making activities; sessions are designed to enhance visual literacy and develop technical and creative skills.

Curriculum links: English, art & design

£2 per pupil | Visit must include the garden

This two-hour session, available March to December, will introduce a range of printmaking techniques as processes, including mono-printing, relief printing and stencil prints.

Pupils will spend time foraging, collecting and drawing from plants and nature in the Chatsworth Garden, and have the opportunity to experiment with line, shape and colour whilst exploring the natural world.

Art workshops include an interactive talk and practical art-making activities; sessions are designed to enhance visual literacy and develop technical and creative skills.

Curriculum links: Art & Design, English, PSHE

£2 per pupil | Visit must include the garden

During this session we will consider how our climate is changing, and the impact this is having on plants and wildlife.

Pupils will understand the difference between climate and weather, and how humans contribute to climate change. Pupils will understand how human and physical processes interact to influence and change landscapes, environments and the climate.

How can we reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference?
In groups, we will explore the kitchen garden to consider how locally grown seasonal produce can reduce your carbon footprint. 

We will discuss how agriculture, the supply chain and consumption, including travel and preparation, releases greenhouse gases. Finally, we will discuss seasonal and sustainable food production. Pupils will design their own innovative seasonal menu using ingredients in the kitchen garden.

Key words: Climate, carbon footprint, flooding, drought, global warming, biodiversity, eco-systems, adaptation, extinction, net zero.

Curriculum links: Science and Geography