Once again farmers who host school visits or offer educational activities in schools are to be rewarded via the Bayer/FACE Awards. The awards are now open for applications.

Closing Date: Friday 15th April 2011

The award categories are:

Access Award
Criteria: For a farm which demonstrates outstanding achievement in the area of encouraging access for pupils with special needs, disaffected students or disadvantaged young people.  Working with a school or group to identify the best way of providing a meaningful learning experience.

Biodiversity Award
Criteria: For a farm which encourages young people to develop a greater understanding of biodiversity generally or for a specific species.  Highlighting the importance of biodiversity, which is vital to a region’s wildlife survival.

Countryside Careers Award
Criteria:  For a farm which is making an outstanding contribution to an understanding of careers in the countryside.  Activities may include offering work experience, supporting vocational qualifications and promoting the many and varied jobs in the countryside.

Farm to the Classroom Award
Criteria: For a farm making a valuable contribution to school life away from the farm, whether it be covering curriculum activities, setting up a school farmers' market or helping with growing activities, as not all farms are conducive to hosting educational visits, the emphasis is on bringing expertise to the school.

Innovative Learning Award
Criteria:  For a farm which has developed and implemented new learning experiences which are seen to have inspired and encouraged young people, as how a farm experience is provided can make all the difference between a useful school visit and a truly memorable one!

Download the application form.