North Yorkshire pupils full of ‘bright ideas’ for improving schools
The Pupil Innovation Festival was held at Thirsk Racecourse by North Yorkshire Education Services (NYES), which is run by the county council. Pupils worked with Matt Leivers, group chef manager at Michelin-starred Star Inn restaurants to develop new school meals.
Pupils were also given the chance to trial a ‘waste and wormeries’ lesson with Yorwaste, which showed children that kitchen waste could be turned into compost. Children also talked to staff about what they love about their school and what makes a good teacher to help with the recruitment of teachers.
Emma Grunwell, head of marketing and innovation for NYES, said: “The pupils had an energised, fun-filled day in the process. It’s been great to see such a positive attitude from the students and such great ideas.
“I’m especially keen to see more children making pianos from bananas and getting involved in sampling a meal created by a chef working for a group of restaurants with a Michelin star – not many pupils will get that on their menu every day!”
Patrick Mulligan, North Yorkshire county councilor, added: “We are hoping to continue to use this valuable pupil insight to develop a range of our services, including school catering, school improvement, energy and sustainability and teacher recruitment.”