By Paul Evans, School Food Expert and Nutritionist
“Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, with its focus on holistic learning, health, and well-being, provides an excellent framework for embedding nutrition education.”
Nutrition isn’t just about food; it’s a crucial component of our daily lives, influencing our emotions, appearance, sleep quality, and longevity. At School Health UK, our mission revolves around enhancing the school lunch experience across the UK. With my dual expertise as a nutritionist and former teacher, I understand the significance of integrating nutrition education into the school curriculum.
Given its profound impact, I am passionate about maximising opportunities for pupils to learn about nutrition and food. The lunch hall is more than just a place to eat; it’s where we can foster a culture of healthy eating.
Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, with its focus on holistic learning, health, and well-being, provides an excellent framework for embedding nutrition education.
The Importance of Early Nutrition Education
The World Health Organisation has highlighted that early nutrition education can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers later in life. With this in mind, keeping nutrition and food as central themes in your school’s culture is crucial.
Below are some ‘top tips’ and examples of how:
Three Top Tips for Teachers
- Utilise Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Nutrition can seamlessly integrate into various subjects. In science, dive into the biology of nutrition and digestion. Use nutritional data in maths for real-life statistics and measurements and explore the cultural and geographical aspects of food in social studies.
- Incorporate Food Literacy: Extend beyond basic nutritional values. Educate students about food sourcing, seasonality, and the rich Scottish culinary heritage to deepen their understanding and appreciation of food.
- Embrace Technology and Interactive Learning: Leverage digital tools and apps to animate nutrition lessons. Interactive quizzes, virtual cooking classes, and educational games can make the subject of nutrition both engaging and enjoyable.
Embedding Nutrition in Daily School Life
As part of School Health UK’s Better Lunchtimes Project, we spend time working with schools to ensure that the school lunchtime is the ‘hub’ of the school day, and not just a conveyer belt for pupils to just eat their lunch and go outside. It’s essential to translate nutritional education into practical, everyday actions:
- School Meals: Collaborate with your catering team to create menus that mirror classroom teachings. This approach not only reinforces learning but also promotes a holistic approach to school food.
- Active Learning: Organise cooking workshops, gardening clubs, and store visits. It’s surprising how many children lack basic skills in selecting and purchasing food. These hands-on experiences reinforce theoretical knowledge and promote healthy eating habits.
- Community Involvement: Engaging with parents and the local community can be challenging, but it’s essential. Host healthy cooking demonstrations or invite experts (us) for workshops. This not only reinforces the message but also integrates a culture of healthy eating within the community.
Integrating nutrition into the curriculum is imperative for nurturing a healthier future generation. As educators, you wield the power to influence not only the intellectual development of your students but also their health and well-being. By implementing these expert strategies and insights, you can effectively weave nutrition into the very fabric of your school’s culture, positively affecting children’s lives for generations to come.
About the Author
Paul Evans is a dedicated nutritionist and school food expert at School Health UK. Having spent five years in teaching, he now works closely with schools, running the UK recognised Better Lunchtimes Project and hosting nutrition and health workshops for school staff. His goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy, well-balanced life.
