Pool Academy Students Promote Healthy Eating Through National Programme

How Pool Academy Students Turned Food Into Something Bigger

Students at Pool Academy, part of Athena Learning Trust, are taking a leading role in promoting healthy eating, transforming their school canteen into a lively community space through the CanTeam x Bite Back Challenge.

The school is one of just 10 across the country chosen to take part, with the programme designed to bring students, families and local communities together through nutritious food and shared experiences.

📷Pool Academy Food Champions

Students Driving Change

At the centre of the project are twelve student Food Champions, who have been leading efforts to raise awareness around healthy food choices. Their work has focused on helping ensure all students have access to nutritious meals while encouraging others to think differently about what they eat.

Community Event Brings Families Together

As part of the challenge, Pool Academy hosted a community evening for 33 Year 6 pupils and their families, helping them prepare for the move to secondary school.

The event included a range of activities such as hands-on cooking workshops, sports sessions and face painting. Guests were also served a three-course meal of spring rolls, fruit salad and poke bowls, all prepared and served by the students.

The evening gave those involved the chance to build skills in leadership, teamwork and project management, while promoting healthy eating in a practical and engaging way.

📷Pool Academy students and visitors enjoy the CanTeam community evening

Supporting Skills Beyond the Classroom

Pool Academy offers a wide range of enrichment and personal development opportunities. These include extra-curricular clubs, trips, the Inspiration Programme and careers support, all aimed at helping students grow their talents and ambitions.

The school also focuses on developing a sense of social responsibility, encouraging students to make a positive contribution to their community.

Principal Praises Student Efforts

Mr Nick Ward, Principal at Pool Academy, said:
“It was a brilliant evening and a real celebration of what our students can achieve. We’re incredibly proud to be one of just 10 schools in the country selected for this project, and even more proud of the way our Food Champions have led it. They’ve shown real leadership in promoting healthy eating and raising awareness, and we’re excited to keep building on this work.”

📷The community comes together to celebrate healthy eating at Pool Academy