In 2008 students from 50 intermediate and secondary schools around the country led activity to improve the nutrition and general health of their school as part of the Mission-On Fuelled 4 School Challenge.
Edgewater College students approached the Fuelled 4 School challenge as part of the schools’ Education for Enterprise (E4E) project. Education for Enterprise is about building school, business and community partnerships that engage students in authentic, real life learning activities. The project helps students develop skills such as decision-making, risk assessment, teamwork and effective communication.
At the beginning of 2008, all the house leaders and selected students from Y10-13 formed a Healthy Eating Committee who worked enthusiastically and cooperatively in this enterprising project with support from HOD Economics teacher Navin Kumar.
First, an in-depth survey was carried out to identify current eating habits. The Committee then set out to establish a school culture of healthy eating. Their goals included increasing sales of healthy options at the canteen; promoting breakfast and improving students’ knowledge about healthy options.
From there students at different year levels and subjects tackled the details. The foundation of the activity involved a campaign featuring health promotion in weekly assemblies and weekly interactive quizzes where students with 4 or more correct answers were rewarded with a $4.00 healthy options canteen voucher. This helped to raise the profile of healthy eating at Edgewater and quickly expanded students’ knowledge on this topic.
The Healthy Eating Committee also created a small business, making and selling smoothies at school having first surveyed the students regarding their smoothie preferences. Economics and accounting students oversaw the budgeting process including work on costing all the ingredients for the smoothies as well as cups for serving the drink in to ensure a profit. Food technology students designed the smoothies and health students tested the fat content of recipes.
The smoothies were promoted through advertising through the local newspaper, school assemblies and posters around the school. To avoid wastage pre-orders were taken and and ingredients purchased. The students were able to offer a healthy choice of breakfast or snack before school and during break times.
Feedback from teachers and students suggests that the team’s efforts have positively influenced students’ well being. A member of the Healthy Eating committee says that there has definitely been a change in students’ perceptions of healthy food. “They (the students) now have a positive approach to healthy eating and are more open to trying new foods. The school canteen has replaced fizzy drinks with smoothies. The canteen operator has also started selling healthy rolls and sandwiches.”
Edgewater students won the Fuelled 4 School ‘School-wide approach’ award for their efforts –and the Healthy Eating Committee say that they have really enjoyed this experience.
“On the path to educating other students we ourselves have learnt a lot. We also feel very lucky to be a part of the committee that encourages students take a positive step and make a real difference to their future by leading a healthier, happier life.”
Lead teacher, Navin Kumar, coordinated all aspects of the project throughout the year and convinced other school departments to get involved. He’s sure students will continue with further projects next year. “We’re now working with all departments to promote healthy eating and want the whole community to know what’s happening” he says.
Published on: 30 Apr 2009
eZ Publish™ copyright © 1999-2012 eZ Systems AS