Sidmouth College wins food award

SIDMOUTH College has been named as one of nine winners in a Year of Food and Farming Award.Pupils at the school have been developing a small farm that will eventually be used by all 900 youngsters at the school.The award was made by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) as a result of its School Challenge, which is part of the Year of Food and Farming.Chris Woodward, rural dimension teacher, said the pupils were delighted to have had their hard work recognised.He said: "The reaction to the award has been very good. Students have basically learnt where their food comes from, which was one of the main aims. They've looked at the whole process from when the food is planted to when it's served."We're now in the process of creating our own smallholding."Schools were asked to organise innovative and imaginative projects that would boost their understanding of food, farming and nutrition and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring food to the table.Out of the 30 schools that took part, judges picked nine winners, which were recognised for their dedication and hard work in meeting the goals of the challenge.Judges described the work by students in years seven and nine at the school as an exciting and enterprising plan which thoroughly tackled all the Year of Food and Farming objectives.The aim of the year, which comes to an end in July, was to reconnect children and young people with the sources of their food, the ways in which it is grown and produced and the social and economic consequences of their choice of diet.Mike Goodfellow, head of community development at the SSAT said: "Students at Sidmouth College are to be congratulated for this excellent achievement. "As well as recognition for their hard work and commitment, they will take away a better understanding of food and farming. "This appreciation will hopefully stay with them for the rest of their lives.