Students Represent Academy at Grow, Cook, Eat End-of-Year Celebration

Students from the academy proudly represented the school at the Grow, Cook, Eat Initiative End-of-Year Celebration, an event designed to recognise the impact of community-led projects and the meaningful changes achieved through programme funding. 

The celebration was designed to bring together participating schools and organisations to showcase their work, share successes, and explore opportunities for ongoing support. Attendees were invited to present how funding had been used within their settings, reflect on key achievements, and highlight the positive outcomes for students and the wider community. 

As part of the event, pupils took part in a range of activities in an outdoor environment, including a creative session where they designed and made personalised wooden plaques for their projects. Food and refreshments were also provided, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere for both students and staff. 

Corby Business Academy was represented by Year 9 students Callum and James, who attended the event as ambassadors for the school’s allotment-based alternative provision project. The initiative, funded through the Grow, Cook, Eat programme during the 2024–2025 academic year, was established to provide a small group of students with a hands-on learning environment to support areas including engagement, attendance and behaviour. 

During the celebration, Callum and James shared their experiences of the project, explaining how the opportunity to work outdoors and develop practical skills has positively impacted their learning. They also toured the host site, where they met animals, including chickens, and gathered inspiration to further develop their own allotment. 

A highlight of their visit was designing a sign for their plot, which they honoured the name given to the plot by previous Year 10 students “Fidget Fields”—a reference to the fidget spinner-shaped layout originally created by a group of Year 10 students when the project was first established. 

The allotment is currently maintained and being developed by a group of Year 10 students, who work on the site each Friday afternoon. The space includes a range of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and pak choi, alongside flowers including pansies. The space also features fencing and installed seating, as well as  a “wild walk” area to enhance the environment. 

In addition to its use within the curriculum, the allotment supports the school’s Unit provision and wellbeing initiatives, offering a calm and restorative space where students can benefit from time outdoors. 

Speaking about his experience, James said: 
“I’ve gone from being in a group with strangers to looking forward to it every Friday, and I’ve made new friends along the way. I’ve most enjoyed the digging and working together as a group—it’s motivating, and we’ve developed teamwork skills while creating something positive.” 

Callum added: 
“I love all of it. I really enjoy weeding and getting stuck in. I wasn’t always keen on coming to school, but now I have something to look forward to at the end of the week. It’s great seeing the difference from before and after.” 

Euan, who leads the project at the Academy, praised the progress made by the students: 
“It’s fantastic to see how this group has grown in confidence, developed social bonds and built friendships. They are discovering skills and passions that will benefit them both now and in the future.” 

Looking ahead, the Academy hopes to expand the initiative to involve more year groups, building on the success of the programme and continuing to provide students with valuable, hands-on learning experiences.