QMS boosts learning of PGI products with home school hub
Scotland’s food, farming and rural life education organisations, including Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), have launched a new online education hub to teach pupils about food production chains and Scottish PGI products.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, The Rowett Institute and The National Museum of Rural Life Scotland are urging teachers, parents and pupils to visit the RHET Education Portal for age-related food, farming and the countryside resources which can be used for home schooling or just for fun.
Sara Smith, Learning and Development Coordinator at RHET, said: “The portal has a range of resources and links to support food, farming and rural life learning at all Curriculum for Excellence levels.
“There are presentations, handouts, videos, activities and lots more to engage learners, all in one, easy to access place.
“Although in the current situation face to face sessions are not possible, you can still bring us to your venue by requesting a pre-recorded video on a topic of your choice. You can make your request via the RHET website as well as accessing the online portal; essential for keeping teachers, pupils and parents in the know with valuable resources.”
“The current pandemic is highlighting to consumers how important and valuable our farming community and local food production chains are, so it’s important that we make the most of this opportunity to promote our world-class farming practices and our fantastic brands – Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.”
The five food and education organisations usually work together to deliver food, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and sustainability training sessions for teachers and fellow educators, however, these teacher training sessions, which take place across Scotland, have had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moira Stalker, skills manager for FDF Scotland, said: “A key part of our work is to help teachers understand the relevance of STEM and sustainability across the farm to fork chain.
“In addition, we provide tools for classroom use and deliver up-to-date information on employer skills and progression pathways in this dynamic and exciting sector.”
In addition to the RHET Education Portal, QMS have recently launched a video farm diary series to connect country kids with their city counterparts, supporting home schooling during lockdown.
With a new video launched each week, the series observes life through the eyes of under-16s living on farms across Scotland. The initiative aims to connect children with where their food comes from and those who produce it.
Alix Ritchie, health and education manager at QMS said: “The current pandemic is highlighting to consumers how important and valuable our farming community and local food production chains are, so it’s important that we make the most of this opportunity to promote our world-class farming practices and our fantastic brands – Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.”
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