ONE LITTLE PIGGY WENT TO HARPER ...

Posted 19 April 2004

Children from primary schools in the Telford and Wrekin area enjoyed meeting some new arrivals at a Shropshire college this Easter.

The youngsters, who were taking part in an Easter School at Harper Adams University College, were amongst the first to greet a litter of newborn piglets.

During the 4-day event last week, thirty-nine 10 and 11-year-olds charted the growth of the tiny piglets born in the college’s special pig unit. Harper’s Schools Officer, Jane Batchelor, said: “The children first weighed the piglets when they were just a few hours old, and then charted their growth over the week, so they could see how quickly piglets put on weight in the first few days of life. It was one of many highlights of an interesting and enjoyable week.”

The children also enjoyed a tour of the college’s Newport campus, learnt all about environmentally friendly farming, crops and bugs, food allergies, and water pests and predators. There were also lessons on farm waste, secrets of the forest floor, and milk – from grass to bottle, before the pupils presented a summary of their experiences at the end of the week to parents and staff.

Samantha McLeish, from St Matthews Primary School, Donnington, said: "It was great fun. I liked the teachers and I learnt a lot. I think that I would love to go back."

Harper Adams also has a summer school for current year 11 pupils, which takes place from 28th June to 2nd July.