The Annual Woolly 'Haircut'

The Worshipful Company of Woolmen shearing sheep with Year 4 Students looking on

I like that we got to have a go at using the spinning wheel,  I’ve never done that before! It was fun and I learned a lot of new stuff!

- L

Once a year Beatrice and her friends need a haircut to help them keep cool throughout the summer months. On 14th June we invited Year 4 students from St Annes Primary school to the farm for a unique educational experience in the city.

The students watched as the sheep were sheared, experienced how the wool fleece is processed and turned into yarn, they then had the opportunity to try their hand at weaving their own fabrics.

I really enjoyed seeing the sheep have a haircut! I felt lucky that I got to see that on a trip.

- S

St Annes students turning wool fleece into yarn on the Spinning Wheel

A student weaving their own fabric

The children really enjoyed learning about an aspect of manufacturing and history that they’d never encountered before and all of the staff were more than happy to answer their questions. Spitalfields City Farm is a fantastic resource for our pupils … Workshops such as this one really help to broaden their experiences and enriches their learning at school.

- Miss Nottage, St Annes school

I learned a lot of new stuff! Like sheep can’t really bite you because they only have teeth at the back.

- M

I really thought all of the staff were really kind and helpful.

- L

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for your students to be invited to next year's event, please contact education@spitalfieldscityfarm.org.

This day was made possible with generous support from The Worshipful Company of Woolmen