04 June 2010

Todmorden High in running for schools 'Oscar'
A SCHOOL has been nominated for an award in recognition of the work it is doing in the community.

Todmorden High School has been put forward for the Department of Children, Schools and Families' Sustainable Schools Award for its approach to food and sustainability. Headteacher Patrick Ottley-O'Connor said: "The award is like the Oscars of the teaching profession. Whether we win or not, it's nice to be up there with the other schools who are doing good work.

"As a school, we work really closely with lots of different agencies. It's not just about what goes on the menu, it's about the children growing the food, cooking the food and healthy living.

"We have had visits from schools and people as far away as New Zealand, Nepal and India, all looking at our approach to food and sustainability."

The school grows its own produce which is then used on the menu in the canteen by catering manager Tony Mulgrew.

Helen Plaice, who will become the school's new headteacher in September, will carry on the drive for sustainability.

She said: "The nomination is recognition from the local council of the things that we are trying to do.

"There is a lot of work going on with Incredible Edible Todmorden (IET) at the moment, making sure that everybody learns about sustainability."

Todmorden High School is a flagship school for the Food For Life Partnership and mentors nine other schools in the north west.

The high school will be having a cross-curricular day in July at which Year seven and Year eight pupils will be able to work on sustainable projects.

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