The Education Business Partnership is organising the Schools’ Challenge at The Lincolnshire Show 2013. This year the Schools’ Challenge is being generously supported by E Park and Sons, Farmacy, Lincs FM, and Uncle Henry’s Cafe and Farm Shop.
The Schools’ Challenge is all part of the Discovery Zone which this year is supported by Woldmarsh.
Each year, schools are invited to take on the Schools’ Challenge. A range of challenges related to the countryside, environment and agriculture will be available to choose from. Challenges are designed to relate to popular educational themes and be easily integrated into a school’s curricula.
01 Reducing my School Footprint
Geography, Science, Citizenship
Students are asked to look at the impact that their school has on the environment. Students should carry out an environmental impact survey, research and create an action plan to reduce the schools carbon footprint. A campaign to promote this change should be developed, making the school, families, governors and the wider community aware. Students must consider a variety of areas such as energy conservation, waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable school grounds, wildlife conservation and sustainable transportation.
02 My Community, My Commitment!
Art and Design, Citizenship, Geography
Students are tasked with the challenge to improve an area of land within the school grounds or local community. They should research and investigate the need for improvements involving the wider community and create a design portfolio of ideas. Students must then implement their ideas, recording the changes. Previous examples have included a sensory garden and vegetable patch.
03 My Healthy School
Design and Technology – Food Technology, Science
Students research what is meant by healthy living in general. Students should use this information to develop a selection of healthy meals or snacks that could be used within school, for example school dinners, packed lunches, breakfast clubs. Where possible, ingredients should be home-grown or locally produced. Consider the science behind healthy foods and study the different food groups. Develop an awareness campaign for other students and families.
04 Advertising the Lincolnshire Show
ICT, Media studies, Business Studies
Students critically analyse the existing strategies used to advertise the Lincolnshire Show. They should then develop new concepts which will promote The Show to young people whilst reducing the environmental impact of the event.
05 Growing around the Globe
Modern Foreign Languages, Citizenship
Students investigate which crops grow best in the British climate and compare these with the types of crops which would thrive in a school garden on a different continent. They should develop a relationship with one or more schools from their chosen country and contact this school by post or email in the correct language if feasible.
06 Project Potato!
Modern Foreign Languages, Citizenship
Students grow potatoes and experiment to find the optimum growing conditions. They may develop recipes using their potatoes, which, along with the remaining potato plants will be judged at The Lincolnshire Show.
The Farmacy Plc and E Park and Sons are able to supply schools with potato seeds and growing equipment.
Each school participating in the challenge will be allocated a Farming Mentor. This mentor will be on hand to assist the school with all things agricultural. Schools always produce fantastic displays for the two days of show ensuring the judges have a wonderfully enjoyable job of deciding who the champions should be.
With limited places and schools coming back year on year to defend their titles you will have to be quick to get a place, but we love seeing new faces and expert support is offered from the farming community to all those taking part.
Details will be sent to all schools and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
There are three categories Primary, Secondary and Special Schools with winners in each.
Participating schools will receive 15 free student tickets (and accompanying adult tickets) to attend the show on 19th and 20th June 2013. Additional tickets are offered at a highly subsidised rate to enable other staff, pupils and parents to also come along, support their school and enjoy the Show.
For more information, please contact Suzy Stone 01522 574230, email suzy.stone@eblo.org.uk.