Schools Rise to the Challenge at The Lincolnshire Show
2 July 2015, Press Releases
Forty-four primary, secondary and special schools entered this year's Lincolnshire Show Schools' Challenge, an initiative run jointly by The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and The EBP, a social enterprise which delivers a wide range of enrichment programmes to young people aged 5 to 19 years.
This year the weather was fantastic and record numbers attended. The Exhibition Hall was buzzing with activity and the students were full of energy, chatting to the public about their projects and offering them a selection of foods to try. Business sponsors offered hands-on activities and the Billy Branston giant potato mascot mingled with the crowd for photo opportunities. During the day students were able to take time out to enjoy the sights and sounds of The Show, and take part in livestock tours and career sessions.
The Schools' Challenge competition has five entry categories and nine challenges to choose from, all linked to the educational curriculum and designed to develop young people's understanding of food, farming and sustainability. Schools select and research a topic, then set up a display about the project in the showground's main Exhibition Hall to showcase their learning and understanding to the public.
Each category was judged by one representative from the world of education and one from the world of farming, all working to a tight schedule to decide upon their winners and admitting what a hard decision it was, because of the high quality of the entries. They commented:
"A wonderful effort from everybody, especially newcomers."
"Hugely impressed by the commitment from all of the schools."
"All were superstars and had put in a lot of hard work – a very difficult decision."
"Very impressed with the diversity of ideas and overwhelming enthusiasm – well researched and presented."
Steve Ward, Chair of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, announced the results and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, 2015 President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, presented the awards.
And the winners were… Potterhanworth CE Primary School in the Small Primary School category with their ideas on 'Advertising The Lincolnshire Show', whilst Holbeach Primary Academy won the Large Primary School category with their recommendations for 'My Healthy School'.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Alford, won the Secondary School category with 'Advertising the Lincolnshire Show' and Sincil Sports College won the Special School category with another take on 'My Healthy School'. Last, but by no means least, Wragby Primary School won the Great Gardening Challenge with their miniature show garden.
Congratulations to these and all of the entrants on their achievements.
The 2016 Lincolnshire Show will take place on 22nd and 23rd June, so schools are advised to 'save the dates'. To sign up to The 2016 Lincolnshire Show Schools' Challenge or become a business sponsor, please:
Call: 01522 574230 and speak to Suzy Stone
Email: enquiries@eblo.org.uk
