Monday saw a triple presentation of awards at Geoffrey Field Junior School in Whitley. The hard graft of both children and parents in the school allotment saw the school scoop the coveted Reading In Bloom – School’s Challenge Award. The judges, Sue Brackley and Pete Thompson along with committee member Carol Wheeler presented the trophy and certificated to proud pupils. The judges had been particularly impressed with how all the children in the school were offered the opportunity to plant, nurture and harvest a range of fruit and vegetables in the allotment.
Teacher and keen gardener, John Fox commented , “If children have a hand in growing a vegetable then they’re far more likely to eat them. We encourage children to make healthy lifestyle choices and the school garden plays a crucial role in this.”
Pleased parents who garden alongside their children on a Friday afternoon at the popular allotment club plan to celebrate this year’s success with tea and carrot cake.
The school’s largest pumpkin competition was hotly contested by 7 entrants this year. Pupils had been given a pumpkin seed, compost and a small pot to take home and grow in their gardens. Clear winner Malaika Sheikh had regularly watered hers throughout the summer to help it reach a whooping 19kg. She was pleased to receive a trophy and gardening book as a prize.
The Great Geoffrey Field Bake Off saw a record 59 entrants. Children were provided with a cooking apple from the school tree and encouraged to create a cake or dessert using it. The judges headteacher Shelley Hancock, Deputy Mr Dave Marks and teacher John Fox savoured a range of delicious treats over a 3 week period. Cheesecakes, muffins, cupcakes, crumbles, pies, biscuits and even an apple in blankets made their way through the school gates for tasting!
Two budding chefs were chosen as clear winners, Ryan Anderson’s creative apple twist on a cup cake had staff drooling along with Harrison Joy’s cinnamon and apple muffins. The competition was a great success encouraging entrants to write their own recipe and cook alongside their parents.
