Primary school children were treated to a day at the University of Cambridge this week to learn about healthy eating.
Primary school children were treated to a day at the University of Cambridge this week to learn about healthy eating.
"We just do not have the facilities at our school for the children to do all the things they can do here. Making pasta is actually on the technology curriculum, so this is enormously helpful for the children."
Primary school children were treated to a day at the University of Cambridge this week to learn about healthy eating.
On a trip to the University Centre, 27 year 6 children from Meldreth Primary School learnt how to make pasta and bread -- while being tempted with chocolate and sweets by "Evil Jamie" -- also known as Jamie Brittain, the Centre's Head Porter.
The children also made their own lunch -- a healthy salad -- and tested their maths writing out large food orders. "Good Jayne" -- otherwise known as Jayne Williams, the Conference Administrator, wheeled round a trolley of healthy foods, awarding children extra points if they could name all the healthy options. "Professor Max", IT Manager Max Leonardov, assessed the children's performance and totted up their scores.
For Deputy Head Andrew Jones, the day was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn new skills. "We are visiting as part of our healthy living week," he said. "We just do not have the facilities at our school for the children to do all the things they can do here. Making pasta is actually on the technology curriculum, so this is enormously helpful for the children."
For Laura Tregidgo the chance to make pasta was "fantastic" -- although she had to have a couple of goes before getting a perfect tagliatelli. While Sam Webb commented that his pasta was a "bit dodgy" before getting it right.
At the end of the day Janet Roberts, Food Safety Adviser from the University's Safety Division, organised a food safety quiz and checked how well the children washed their hands by using an ultra-violet light.
Tom Walston said that the University Centre had welcomed school visits before but was now trying to get them onto a more formal setting. "We are keen to assist local schools and the local community in their efforts towards healthier eating," he said. "Children clearly benefit from days like this."
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