Pupils grow their own potatoes

Youngsters at St Peters CE School in Rochdale have joined forces with the council’s Facilities Management team and a leading food supplier to learn more about how fresh produce is grown.

McCain Foods have provided seeds for the pupils to grow their own potatoes in their school allotment to increase their understanding of the origins of food.

While on a visit to the school, Facilities Management Operations Manager Mandy Connellan and McCain Foods Business Manager Steve Wood were able to view the allotment.

Mr Wood said: “The potato growing activity helps school cooks and teachers take a whole school approach to healthy eating. This provides a crucial link between what the cooks are preparing and serving in the canteen and what is being taught in the classroom.

“The activity really does bring the food chain to life and is great fun as it gives pupils a chance to get their hands dirty.”

Head teacher Jean O’Neill said: “As an Eco-School we have been delighted to work in partnership with Facilities Management and McCain, so that the pupils enhance their knowledge of science and technology.”