How Do We Farm for a Better World?

• Describe common perceptions and realities of farming
• Identify different types and systems of farming
• Explain what animal sentience means
• Describe how intensive farming systems affect farmed animals
• Evaluate different viewpoints on how farmed animals should be treated

• Explain what selective breeding is and why it is used
• Describe advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding in farmed animals
• Understand basic food chains and energy transfer
• Explain how farmed animals fit into human food chains
• Evaluate whether animal farming is an efficient and ethical food system

• Explain why soil is essential for life on Earth
• Identify different types of crops and their uses
• Describe what biodiversity is and why it matters
• Explain how plant and animal agriculture affect habitats and wildlife
• Evaluate whether farming choices can help protect biodiversity and reduce climate change

• Explain what organic farming and vegan organic farming are
• Describe what fertilisers and pesticides do
• Compare natural and synthetic fertilisers and pesticides
• Identify chemicals used in animal farming and their impacts
• Compare organic, vegan organic, and intensive farming systems

• Describe what a community farm is and how it operates
• Identify typical sizes and structures of community farms in the UK
• Recognise shared principles of community farming globally
• Explain benefits and challenges of community-led food production
• Design a simple plan for a local community farm, considering sustainability and community needs

• Evaluate whether community farms can feed local populations
• Explain how population density, diet, and land use affect food supply
• Identify limitations of community farming in the UK
• Describe how hydroponics and vertical farming could increase food production
• Suggest realistic adaptations to improve food security

• Explain how different farming methods affect people, animals, and the environment
• Compare intensive, extensive, organic, vegan organic, community and high-tech farming approaches
• Communicate scientific ideas clearly using digital media
• Present balanced arguments using evidence
• Work collaboratively to plan an engaging educational video

• Evaluate whether schools can contribute to sustainable food systems
• Apply scientific and practical knowledge to a real-world context
• Identify benefits and challenges of school-based food growing
• Take part in respectful debate and collective decision-making
• Propose realistic solutions for managing a school growing project

1. Rationale: Why Teach Food Systems and Farming at KS3?
2. Curriculum Alignment
3. Big Ideas Running Through the Unit
4. Sensitive Content & Classroom Climate
5. Progression Across the 8 Lessons
6. Assessment for Learning
7. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
8. Final Note to Teachers

1. Why This Unit Matters
2. Curriculum Links
3. Key Themes for Students
4. Sensitive Content & Classroom Approach
5. What Students Will Learn Across 8 Lessons
6. How Students Are Assessed
7. Links to Global Goals
8. Final Note

Parent Summary: How Should We Farm for a Better World?

1. Farming Systems & Food Production
2. Environment, Ecosystems & Climate
3. Soil, Plants & Crop Science
4. Animals, Biology & Welfare
5. Food Systems, Diets & Society
6. Thinking Skills, Ethics & Measurement

1. Farming Systems & Food Production
2. Environment, Ecosystems & Climate
3. Soil, Plants & Crop Science
4. Animals, Biology & Welfare
5. Food Systems, Diets & Society
6. Thinking Skills, Ethics & Measurement

This guide supports teachers in using the two KS3 glossaries alongside the lesson sequence How Do We Farm for a Better World? It offers practical, flexible activities that build subject knowledge, vocabulary confidence, ethical thinking, and systems awareness, without adding planning burden.