In this episode, we turn to Food and Nutrition in the school curriculum and look at the challenges facing this aspect of National Curriculum education. Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to be introduced to Leith's Education and walked through their curriculum resources from KS1 to Post 16 (and extracurricular). These come at a cost (see below), but having seen them, I believe these are resources that every school should at least consider. See https://leiths.com/

We also discuss how Leith's has partnered with Roehampton University to create a new PGCE course aimed at increasing the number of teachers qualifying in this area over the coming years. Alongside this, there is a Level 7 course suitable for those perhaps without a degree but with life experience and other qualifications that can assist their pathway into teaching.

Leith's Education has supplied the following information:

Leiths Education has been working with schools for over 25 years and has grown from the renowned culinary school founded by Prue Leith in 1975. Its work is all about helping schools deliver exceptional cookery teaching for children and young people of all ages.

Food education faces significant challenges with steadily reducing numbers of specialist teachers in secondary schools, few practical cookery lessons in primary schools, and insufficient facilities and equipment in many schools. To help reverse these trends, Leiths has teamed up with the University of Roehampton to introduce two new national qualifications to help fast-track the recruitment and training of food teachers.

For more information, visit https://leiths.com/explore/professional-development/

Course costs (for more details, please see Leith's Education website).

Registration Fee
Only for schools delivering the below accredited and life skills cookery courses
Leiths Education Standard Package £3,250
Accredited courses - a total of 3 visits over the duration of the course
Life Skills courses - a total of 2 visits over the duration of the course

Cookalong Courses
Per annum subscription, no limit on student numbers (no registration fee required)
Leiths Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum £395
Leiths Key Stage 3 Curriculum £595
Leiths Co-Curricular Cookery £595

Student Assessment Fees
Payable per student, this fee covers all course-specific costs
Accredited Cookery Courses
Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery £545
Leiths CTH Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills £345

So sit back and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Maria Dunbar, Director of Education at Leith's Education.

Thanks, as always, to the Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.

In this week’s episode of Designed for Life, we are fortunate to speak with Dr Hilary Leevers, the Chief Executive of Engineering UK.

We break from the usual show format to explore some of the data surrounding entry to engineering as a profession and discuss Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, which this year runs from November 11th to 15th.

EngineeringUK drives change so that more young people choose engineering and technology careers. You can join us by getting involved in Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing the amazing work that engineers do and inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering. It’s an exciting opportunity for schools, teachers and industry professionals to come together and make a real impact.

Want to get involved? You can find everything you need to participate in this year’s events, including activities, resources, and ways to engage, by visiting the official website: www.eukeducation.org.uk/teweek

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Be part of the buzz on social media by using the hashtag #TEWeek24. Check out all the resources and prepare for a week packed with inspiration and innovation!

This is a wide-ranging conversation around all entry routes to engineering as a career I know you will find interesting (engaging education and industry colleagues alike). So sit back, put those headphones in and listen to Designed for Life in conversation with Dr Hilary Leevers.

Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.

Talk about battery power and people's attention automatically turns to electric vehicles, but in reality, this is one sector of a rapidly growing market. With this growth, there is an increasing need for young people to enter the sector and help design and make the power plants of the future.

In this episode, we talk with Jonty Deely Williamson, who heads up learning and development at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC)

Previously a science teacher, he has worked in Learning & Development for more than a decade in the rail construction, high-speed rail, food manufacturing and battery manufacturing sectors.

Working on various projects including the Elizabeth line, HS2 skill development, installation of a new food manufacturing line, and supporting skills from operatives to directors, his role at UKBIC is to develop battery manufacturing skills and training courses at all levels for the UK.

UKBIC is a key part of the UK government-funded Faraday Battery Challenge, which has been delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, with the aim of building a high-tech, high-value, high-skill battery industry in the UK.

So sit back, grab 50 minutes to yourself and enjoy Designed for Life, in conversation with Jonty Deeley Williamson.

Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for making these conversations possible.