Oathall Community College Farm FAQs
Oathall Community College Farm FAQs
Who can work on the farm? Students in Years 7 to 11 are welcome to provided they are members of the Oathall Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) and have returned their signed consent form. I’m interested in working on the farm, how do I sign up? It costs £10 per year to join the YFC; this fee covers the cost of most visits and insurance. A card is issued to members and should be looked after carefully as it must be presented at competitions and shows. New members are given an induction, what does that cover? New volunteers will be given instruction by a member of staff covering health and safety, hazard awareness, authority and appropriate behaviour on a working farm. Is it a requirement to attend YFC meetings to work on the farm? Some students join Oathall YFC simply to work on the farm and not to attend club meetings, this is fine. When are the meetings and what’s on the agenda? Meetings are held each Thursday in the farm classroom between 3.30pm and 4.45pm (unless otherwise stated). A programme of events is published twice a year in September and in March. Details of the YFC meetings are also posted on noticeboards on the farm and outside the staffroom in school. Can I take part in the visits? Details about YFC visits are published at least a week in advance and the sixmonthly programme is closely adhered to. Students must have the permission of their parents to take part in off-site activities. So, when can I help out on the farm? Many students express an interest in helping out before and after school and it is important that both parents and students are aware this involves working one morning before school between 8 and 8.40am or one evening between 3.15 and 4.30pm, or both, but not at weekends or during the school holidays. After their shift students should arrange to walk home in pairs or to be collected at the end of the work session, normally 4.30 pm. What will I do on the farm? Student volunteers work in teams under the supervision of a senior student with an adult member of staff always in attendance. They work on a variety of tasks relating to our cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, including milking, feeding, watering and cleaning out.
Oathall Community College Farm FAQs
What shall I wear? We strongly recommend that the students wear a pair of overalls and a pair of safety wellingtons at all times on the farm. Lockers are provided for these items however students must provide their own padlock. Where can I buy the kit from? Occasionally we have second-hand overalls for sale although an extensive range of suitable clothing is stocked at Kent Wool Growers, High Street, Handcross. Who looks after the animals during holidays? A small number of senior students are paid by the College to attend to the stock during weekends and holidays. What should I do if I can’t cover my duties? If you cannot attend one of your sessions, please inform the team leader at least 24 hours in advance so they can find cover. What’s involved in showing animals? Oathall has a very successful show team; we take our cattle, sheep and pigs to 10 events each year. Many of these shows are in the summer months so this activity may well involve preparation and travel during school holidays. Students must be a regular helper to be considered for showing. What are the rules of the farm? Risk assessments have been carried out for all of the activities which student volunteers are involved in however ill-discipline is not tolerated. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the farm, must wear protective clothing and wash their hands thoroughly in warm soapy water at the end of their work session.
Who can work on the farm? Students in Years 7 to 11 are welcome to provided they are members of the Oathall Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) and have returned their signed consent form. I’m interested in working on the farm, how do I sign up? It costs £10 per year to join the YFC; this fee covers the cost of most visits and insurance. A card is issued to members and should be looked after carefully as it must be presented at competitions and shows. New members are given an induction, what does that cover? New volunteers will be given instruction by a member of staff covering health and safety, hazard awareness, authority and appropriate behaviour on a working farm. Is it a requirement to attend YFC meetings to work on the farm? Some students join Oathall YFC simply to work on the farm and not to attend club meetings, this is fine. When are the meetings and what’s on the agenda? Meetings are held each Thursday in the farm classroom between 3.30pm and 4.45pm (unless otherwise stated). A programme of events is published twice a year in September and in March. Details of the YFC meetings are also posted on noticeboards on the farm and outside the staffroom in school. Can I take part in the visits? Details about YFC visits are published at least a week in advance and the sixmonthly programme is closely adhered to. Students must have the permission of their parents to take part in off-site activities. So, when can I help out on the farm? Many students express an interest in helping out before and after school and it is important that both parents and students are aware this involves working one morning before school between 8 and 8.40am or one evening between 3.15 and 4.30pm, or both, but not at weekends or during the school holidays. After their shift students should arrange to walk home in pairs or to be collected at the end of the work session, normally 4.30 pm. What will I do on the farm? Student volunteers work in teams under the supervision of a senior student with an adult member of staff always in attendance. They work on a variety of tasks relating to our cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, including milking, feeding, watering and cleaning out.
Oathall Community College Farm FAQs
What shall I wear? We strongly recommend that the students wear a pair of overalls and a pair of safety wellingtons at all times on the farm. Lockers are provided for these items however students must provide their own padlock. Where can I buy the kit from? Occasionally we have second-hand overalls for sale although an extensive range of suitable clothing is stocked at Kent Wool Growers, High Street, Handcross. Who looks after the animals during holidays? A small number of senior students are paid by the College to attend to the stock during weekends and holidays. What should I do if I can’t cover my duties? If you cannot attend one of your sessions, please inform the team leader at least 24 hours in advance so they can find cover. What’s involved in showing animals? Oathall has a very successful show team; we take our cattle, sheep and pigs to 10 events each year. Many of these shows are in the summer months so this activity may well involve preparation and travel during school holidays. Students must be a regular helper to be considered for showing. What are the rules of the farm? Risk assessments have been carried out for all of the activities which student volunteers are involved in however ill-discipline is not tolerated. Students are not allowed to eat or drink on the farm, must wear protective clothing and wash their hands thoroughly in warm soapy water at the end of their work session.
