Delicious smells filled the air across our Gobowen campus this week as students and staff prepared soups and fruit crumbles for a Harvest Heroes competition to promote independence.
As part of their Independent Living Skills sessions, student groups from across the College were challenged to create either a soup or a crumble.
The activity was about much more than cooking, with students developing skills including travel training, shopping, money handling, teamwork and choosing locally sourced ingredients.
The standard was extremely high, with every student group putting considerable thought and effort into their dish, presentation and supporting evidence.
The judging panel, made up of Chair of Governors Jamie Ward, governors Ruth Court and K Kimber, Principal Meryl Green, Director Natalie Bellis and Quality Manager Jude Cottrell, were hugely impressed by the high standard of the entries.
Harvest Heroes awards
Three main awards celebrated teamwork, independence, sustainability and, of course, taste, while a special individual award recognised one student’s outstanding independence skills.
Community Harvest Award – Acorns
Acorns received the award for outstanding teamwork and green values with their apple and berry crumble. Students picked apples from the College orchard, shopped locally and completed their travel training on foot. They also collected conkers and acorns to create an autumnal presentation.
Independent Spirit Award – Kent House
Kent House impressed the judges with their apple and blackberry crumble and a large display board showing the group’s travel, money handling, local sourcing and teamwork. Most of the ingredients came from the surrounding area, supporting local farmers and businesses. The judges praised the group’s preparation and the way everyone played a part.
Golden Spoon Award – Cadbury Court
Cadbury Court took the award for tastiest dish with its pumpkin and carrot soup, which earned five-star reviews from the judges for both flavour and presentation.
Special Individual Independent Living Skills Award – Isla
Isla, from the Bungalows, received a special award for her pumpkin soup completing the travel, shopping, cooking and presentation elements of the challenge independently.
Many groups made the most of Shropshire produce, using apples from the College orchard or visiting local Llynclys Farm to pick pumpkins. Shopping locally also helped students learn how everyday choices can reduce their carbon footprint.
Chair of Governors Jamie Ward said: “It was fantastic to see students working together so well and making such thoughtful use of produce from College orchard and local suppliers. Every group put in a tremendous effort and should be very proud of what they achieved.”
Liam, Independence Lead, said: “Students work incredibly hard in their Independence Skills sessions throughout the year, but it was lovely to see them raise their game even further with the added competitive element. There were fantastic efforts all round.”
