Wallace Currie, who is a lecturer based at SRUC’s Barony campus in Dumfries and Galloway has launched a petition to try and raise awareness of the need for Rural eduction in our schools.
Wallace told DGWGO “Growing up in Shiskine on the Isle of Arran, I had the privilege of a unique education shaped by teachers with farming ties who went above and beyond the traditional curriculum. While we studied English, geography, and science like any other school, my classmates and I also learned valuable lessons just by looking outside the window. We discovered that trees provided shelter, food, and even the oxygen we needed, and learned about the fields, smells, and sights of rural life firsthand. This hands-on education, rooted in the realities of our surroundings, offered me an invaluable understanding of our rural world—one that many children in the UK never have the chance to experience.
As a former lecturer and Nuffield Scholar who’s traveled extensively to study global agricultural education, I’ve seen the transformative power of integrating rural topics into learning. From Rwanda and Brazil to Ukraine and New Zealand, I’ve explored how different nations foster practical skills and consumer engagement. In the Netherlands, Switzerland, and New Zealand, for example, students engage directly with agriculture, gaining insights into food production and sustainability. These experiences equip young people with practical knowledge, foster a deep connection to the land, and prepare them for futures in rural industries or as informed consumers. Inspired by these models, I’ve joined forces with other advocates to promote a petition calling for rural education to be embedded in the UK curriculum.
This initiative isn’t just about teaching students where their food comes from; it’s about building a bridge between urban and rural communities, nurturing a generation that understands and values the work that goes into their food, fuel, and even clothing. By bringing rural education to classrooms nationwide, we aim to create a dual impact: cultivating future employees and leaders for rural industries and empowering future consumers to make informed, sustainable choices.
Why Your Support Matters
In my time with Young Farmers, I’ve seen the dedication young people bring to rural pursuits when given the right opportunities. Yet, many don’t encounter agriculture until later in life, missing the chance to grow up understanding the vital role of rural industries. By integrating topics like farming, environmental stewardship, and sustainability into early education, we can inspire a passion for these fields long before young people consider their careers. This petition isn’t just for those planning to work in agriculture—it’s for every child in the UK. Whether they become doctors, engineers, teachers, or farmers, these students will benefit from a curriculum that connects them to the realities of rural life.
In Dumfries and Galloway, we already know the importance of agriculture and its deep roots in our communities. But imagine the impact if every child across the UK had access to similar learning experiences. This education could involve hands-on projects, farm visits, environmental studies, and even lessons on sustainable practices. It’s about equipping the next generation with the knowledge to make informed choices about food, understand environmental impacts, and respect the work that rural communities contribute.
How You Can Help
We’re calling on communities like Dumfries and Galloway to support our push to bring rural education to the forefront. When the government petition committee reopens, our campaign will need as many signatures as possible to make a compelling case. There are many ways to get involved: sign and share our petition, or get in touch to discuss other ways you can support rural education in our schools.
The impact of this initiative could be far-reaching, helping to sustain and grow our rural communities while enriching the lives of young people nationwide. We believe every child deserves the chance to understand the world around them, from the trees providing shelter to the fields producing food, just as I did in Shiskine. Together, let’s make rural education accessible to all.
Support our petition today to bring rural education to every UK classroom.
