Health for Life competition judged

Green fingered students recognised in horticultural competition.

Bishop Challoner Catholic College


More than 60 green-fingered students have put their best grown fruit and vegetables forward at the annual Health for Life Schools’ Horticultural Show.

On Wednesday, 8th July, 13 schools from across South Birmingham competed in the second show at Lordswood Girls’ School in Harborne, and displayed a wide range of produce, including leeks, radishes, chillies, onions and all manner of beans.

Bringing together primary and secondary schools which have been participating in the Health for Life initiative over the past and previous years, the show celebrates the pupils’ achievements of growing their own food at school and at home.

With all entries displayed, judges and school representatives joined together to view each submission before the primary and secondary school winners of each of seven categories were announced. Categories included eco-garden design, edible plant in an interesting container and grown on your own – the best example of a self-grown fruit or vegetable by a pupil.

Niall Crawford, education advisor at Services for Education, said: “Once again the horticultural show has proved a huge success. This year, we have had some really impressive entries and all the pupils have really enjoyed taking part.”

The Health for Life programme, which is currently running in primary and secondary schools, as well as in various locations across the community, is funded by the Mondelēz International Foundation, and delivered by the Health Education Service in conjunction with Life Education Centres West Midlands and The Conservation Volunteers.

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: “The Health for Life programme in schools aims to create healthier lifestyles for children across South Birmingham, encouraging them to get involved with healthy eating, growing fruit and vegetables, and physical activity.

“Every school that took part has shown great progress and it’s great to see how the pupils’ enthusiasm in healthy eating and cooking has grown since joining the programme. We are proud to support events such as these which truly celebrate healthy living across schools and the community.”