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"Evil Jamie" cooks up a treat for local school kids

**Abstract:** On a recent visit to the University of Cambridge, 27 Year 6 students from Meldreth Primary School participated in a day-long educational program focused on healthy eating and food preparation. This initiative was part of the school's "Healthy Living Week" and aimed to provide children with practical skills and knowledge that are part of their technology curriculum. The University Centre, which has previously hosted school visits, is now working to formalize these educational opportunities to better support local schools and the community in promoting healthier lifestyles. The children's day was filled with a variety of activities, including hands-on sessions where they learned to make pasta and bread. These sessions were not only educational but also fun, as the children were playfully challenged by "Evil Jamie" (Jamie Brittain, the Centre's Head Porter), who tempted them with less healthy options like chocolate and sweets. This role-play was designed to teach the children about making healthier choices in the face of temptation. In addition to cooking, the students engaged in a math exercise related to food, writing out large orders to apply their numerical skills in a practical context. "Good Jayne" (Jayne Williams, the Conference Administrator) played a part in this activity by presenting a trolley of healthy foods and encouraging the children to identify the nutritious options, for which they earned extra points. The performance of the children in these activities was assessed by "Professor Max" (IT Manager Max Leonardov), who helped tally their scores. Deputy Head Andrew Jones expressed his appreciation for the University's facilities and the opportunities they provide for the students. He noted that the school lacks the necessary equipment and space to conduct such extensive and varied food-related activities, making the visit to the University Centre an invaluable learning experience. The children's enthusiasm was evident, with Laura Tregidgo describing the pasta-making as "fantastic" despite initial challenges, and Sam Webb eventually perfecting his pasta after some initial difficulties. The day concluded with a food safety quiz organized by Janet Roberts, the Food Safety Adviser from the University's Safety Division. The quiz was designed to reinforce the importance of hygiene in food preparation, with a practical demonstration using an ultra-violet light to check how well the children had washed their hands. Tom Walston, who coordinates these visits, emphasized the University Centre's commitment to supporting local schools in their educational efforts. He highlighted the benefits of such visits, noting that they not only help children learn about healthy eating but also expose them to a university environment, potentially inspiring their future educational aspirations. The University of Cambridge's initiative to formalize these visits underscores its broader mission to engage with and support the local community, particularly in areas that promote health and well-being. The day at the University Centre was a successful blend of education, practical skills, and fun, providing the children with a memorable and valuable learning experience.

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