LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have developed a suite of curriculum-linked resources for Key Stage 5 (ages 16–18), which draws on their extensive experience in the agriculture and education sectors.
Their combined knowledge helps ensure students gain a clear understanding of sustainability and its importance within modern food and farming. Designed to enrich classroom learning, the materials provide real-world context by exploring themes around food production and farming.
The resources support teachers in delivering curriculum content through engaging, relevant examples and can be used independently in school or to complement farm visits, helping students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
1. Bring the curriculum to life
These resources go beyond textbooks by connecting key A-Level subjects, such as biology, geography, environmental science and business, to real-world scenarios in food production and farming, making complex ideas easier to understand and more engaging.
“They really enjoyed trying out some new equipment and applying what they may have covered in the textbooks in the real-world context.”
Feedback from a biology A-level teacher
2. Developed by teachers, for teachers
Written by qualified teachers with decades of classroom experience and informed by leading agricultural experts, each resource is carefully designed to meet A-Level specifications, with clear learning outcomes and adaptable teaching materials, including PowerPoints, worksheets and teacher notes.
“The activities were very well matched with the requirements of the curriculum but also raised other important issues and ideas that the students benefitted from.”
A-Level environmental science teacher
3. Encourage hands-on learning
Many of the resources include optional fieldwork activities and hands-on tasks, which turn the outdoors into a living classroom where students can bring their learning to life and see how theory connects with the real world. Schools can further explore key topics using linked farmer resources during a dedicated farm visit. For more information, visit LEAF’s website.
“I learnt about the different skills in agriculture and the many skills that are transferable from it.”
KS5 student
4. Inspire future consumers and careers
By exploring where food comes from and how it’s produced, students can gain awareness of sustainability, food systems, and the diverse career opportunities available in the agri-food sector for those with a keen interest in the environment.
“I think agriculture is an industry that is exciting because it has a lot of potential for future generations to enjoy.”
KS5 student
5. Proven to engage and deliver results
Positive feedback from both educators and students highlights the value of these resources in boosting engagement and understanding in the topics:
- 100% of teachers would recommend these resources to other teachers.
- 100% said they would seek to use other resources produced by AHDB and LEAF.
- 100% stated the resources delivered clear learning outcomes linked to relevant A-level specifications.
“We learnt everything and anything about farming; if you live in the city like I do, it is a great learning opportunity.”
KS5 student
Click here to order your free copy of the resources now.
Copies are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis; only one copy per school. Editable and printable resources are also available online.
- Each resource will take 40–60 minutes of classroom time to deliver, with additional fieldwork time.
- Each pack contains teacher notes, an accompanying PowerPoint, and student activity sheet(s).
- Some resources have adapted field studies that can be used on a field trip to a farm to aid the learning experience.
- All resources have been trialled and tested by teachers, both in the classroom and out on the farm!