What is on offer In Home Economics

What is on offer ? In Home Economics Department at Preston Lodge High School

Free Fruit for Schools § S 1 pupils enjoyed free fruit from the Scottish Executive initiative for 5 weeks in Autumn 2003. § The success of this was continued within the department by selling fruit during class lessons at a minimal cost. § Pupils continue to buy fruit in large quantities throughout the year.

Fruit Challenge § This involved all classes , all pupils through their opportunity to buy fruit became involved in this Annual event. § Over a five week period the amount of fruit consumed per class is recorded(usually May). § The winning classes in each year group receive a certificate and Carribean banquet. It has proved so popular it will continue.

Fruity Friday § This is a fund-raising event in aid of World Cancer Research. § The idea is to raise the profile of the benefits of fruit in fighting Cancer. § The department hosts annually a ‘fruit coffee morning’ for staff and the community(Friday 16 th May 2008). § Fruit Smoothies are sold to pupils the week of the event- very popular. § A fruit quiz is sold to staff, parents and pupils.

Support § The ‘Fruity Friday’ event is supported by local companies , including our suppliers. § Over £ 1100 has been sent to World Cancer Research over the last three events. § Hope to repeat such an event this year with more Community involvement § The department also supports Macmillan Cancer in their Annual Coffee mornings

‘Just for Starters’ § A Conference hosted by the school § Aim- to involve many areas of food providers and educators in East Lothian. § Looked at ‘Hungry for Success’ initiative by Scottish Executive § SNAG – School Nutrition Action Groups. § What is Healthy Eating ? § Plus many other related areas § Food Award Competition Winners announced. § Department won Secondary School Sector

Health Promoting School group § We now have such a group running in the school with varied involvement from the school community. § What and Who is involved ? § Staff , Parents , Pupils , Catering staff, Council Rep , Community Reps, School Board reps. § Do not hesitate to contact the school or department if interested in joining, § Timescale – approx 4 meetings per year

Encouragement for Healthy Eating § § § Regularly through class lessons. Reinforced through recipes made. Evidence of changing habits ( fruit initiative). Opportunity to sample various foods. Key Message – eat a variety of foods from all sections of the diet plate. § No Bad Foods – all related to the quantity and regularity with which we eat some. § We can manage to change eating habits if we all work together.

Importance of Food Knowledge § To combat diet related diseases. § Encourage an interest in the variety of food available to us. § Enable choice and ability to create § Opportunity to work with fresh produce § Most importantly to ‘ Enjoy Food’

Get Active-Get Cooking Challenge § This involves pupils who submitted their own original recipes to the National competition run by Sainsbury’s and the British Nutrition Foundation § Four school finalists will be submitted § Kerry Anne Paterson (in 2004) won the Sea fish category , therefore a trip to London for the presentation. § All the school finalists that year were invited to the Royal Highland Show to meet Mr Ross Finney MSP on the Sainsbury’s stand. § We look for all such opportunities to widen the interest and involvement of pupils – S 3 are participating this year.

East Lothian Food Festival § An annual competition which is used to promote the use of local produce in East Lothian. § Open to all East Lothian Schools. § Involves local Hotels, suppliers, and community § S 4 pupils take part § Preston Lodge has won on the last three consecutive occasions – 2007 winners were Holly Salmon and Ross Baron

East Lothian Food Festival competition winners Hollie Salmon & Ross Baron

Winter Fair Opportunity § Hospitality pupils are given the opportunity to visit this event at Ingliston in November § See meat producers, butchers, caterers, chefs in action. Animal – plate § Appreciation of ‘what is on your plate’ § Generates interest in some major local employment areas

Rotary Young Chef Competition § § § New to Preston Lodge this year Great uptake from all year groups School finalists – Lorna Nicoll S 5, Anna Wright S 1 Representation at zone final on 18 th January 2008 Excellent link with Local Community/Rotary

On our Doorstep Project § § § New initiative to work with local food suppliers Cook Club open to all S 2/3 pupils- 26 sign up All dishes made used locally sourced food which was well supported by local suppliers § Culminated in a school competition with many suppliers agreeing to be judges. § This project has created great awareness by the pupils of what food can be sourced ‘ On their doorstep’