Lismore’s Fairtrade Bake Off
On Thursday 2nd March 2017, Achaleven Primary School joined Lismore Primary School for a Fairtrade Challenge Day. Both Achaleven and Lismore are already Fairtrade Schools, so this year they decided to get together for a Fairtade Fortnight event.
Achaleven pupils travelled by ferry from Oban to Achnacroish where they were greeted by Lismore P7s who accompanied them to the school.
The theme for this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight was Fairtrade snacks at break time.The day began with a short presentation, given by the Lismore pupils, about Fairtrade chocolate. The children were then all offered a Fairtrade snack of a “Banana Crumbly” baked by one of Lismore’s P7’s who had taken on this personal challenge for her Lismore Award.
After a quick playtime where the children were able to become reacquainted with old friends and make some new ones, the first challenge of the day was announced – “The Lismore Fairtrade Bake Off.”
In teams of five the children were asked to bake a batch of Fairtrade banana and chocolate muffins. They were provided with a recipe, utensils, scales and ingredients. As well as baking the muffins, each group was asked to make up a delicious sounding name for their cakes and to make a poster to advertise their product.
At the cry of “Ready Steady Bake”, four busy teams started to work on their creations, measuring out liquids, weighing ingredients, and sharing out the tasks. An hour later the finishing touches were being made to posters and there was a delicious smell of baking muffins drifting through the school.
The Reverend Iain Barclay, minister for Lismore and Appin, kindly agreed to be the judge. He tasted each of the four entries and examined the inventive names and the posters. With excitement mounting, he announced the winning muffin – ‘The Spectacular King of Muffins’ baked by the P1s and P2s. The group was delighted to receive medals and certificates for their efforts.
After packed lunch, eaten outside under a clear blue sky and looking at the snowy mountains in the distance, the children were ready for their next challenge. P1 to P3 were asked to write about their baking experience using some photos to help them. P4 to P7 were asked to design a leaflet promoting Fairtrade. This exercise was an ideal opportunity for the staff of both schools to get together for some moderation and team teaching. The children took up the challenge enthusiastically and were soon busy writing.
After all the hard work and with the sun still shining, Lismore P4 and P5 children organised a sports circuit for everyone to let off steam before the journey home.Lismore children waved goodbye to their friends, who set off for the ferry each clutching a muffin to take home to their families. Children from Lismore and Achaleven showed that they are definitely Fairtrade aware and the whole day was a fantastic learning experience covering outcomes in HWB, numeracy, literacy, social sciences and technology. Lismore is now hoping to apply for their Fairtrade Achiever Award and is also looking forward to a return visit to Achaleven.
A huge thank you to our Catering Manager, Hazel for organising the Bake Off and also to the Minister for judging and to Achaleven children and staff for making this such a successful day.
