Meet our Agriculture Teachers
What do you enjoy most about teaching at Wigfield Farm?
Macauley: I enjoy teaching because all the students want to work with animals, and I love seeing their development from their first day to the end of the year. I also love the large range of livestock species, from poultry with our rare breed chickens, ducks and geese, to our sheep, goats, pigs and cattle.
Emily: I enjoy sharing my passion with students and seeing students immerse themselves in hands-on learning, develop practical skills, and grow in confidence is incredibly fulfilling. I love how the dynamic environment at Wigfield Farm allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations to build their confidence in their abilities in a safe and supportive environment.
Why did you choose to teach at Wigfield Farm?
Macauley: The College’s Land-based department stood out for having the best facilities compared to other colleges because they have their own working farm with a range of animals, which is constantly expanding. I am also from the area and wanted to work at the College I had studied at myself.
Emily: I chose to teach at Barnsley College because I’m proud to be from Barnsley and being local, I feel a strong connection to the community and the College’s mission to contribute to this area’s growth and development. Wigfield Farm offers a fantastic environment for personal growth and professional development, especially having the opportunity to work with such a diverse range of animals.
Why did you decide to teach Agriculture?
Macauley: I was a student at Barnsley College University Centre and completed the HNC/HND in Animal Management. I also have a passion for farming and the skills and knowledge that goes along with it. I have always enjoyed working with students and passing the skills I have learnt to them so they can go on to university or into industry.
Emily: Teaching Agriculture and Animal Care was a natural choice for me because I thoroughly enjoy working with animals, especially livestock. It is incredibly rewarding to educate others about sustainable farming methods that not only ensure food security but also protect biodiversity and our natural environment, whilst also nurturing the students’ practical skills working hands-on with livestock.
Would you recommend the Agriculture courses?
Macauley: I highly recommend our Agriculture courses. Our Level 2 course focuses on developing practical and wider skills essential for the Level 3 programme. In Level 3, students delve deeper into industry applications, including visits to large-scale beef and dairy farms, auction houses for rare breed livestock, and hands-on tractor driving experiences.
Emily: I would wholeheartedly recommend our course to students, regardless of their background or prior experience. As someone who didn’t come from a farming background myself, I understand the initial hesitation some might have about joining a course like this. However, I have seen first-hand how our program equips students with vital skills and qualities needed in the agricultural sector. Our course provides hands-on training, expert guidance, and opportunities to develop essential skills that are valued in this industry.
This page was last updated on: 5th March 2025 3:36pm
