Hydroponic food growing project awarded funding from Education Scotland -Food for Thought for Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Schools

Good news for Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Schools who have successfully been awarded almost £3,000 from the Food for Thought Fund to support a food growing project known as ‘Hydroponics’.

Hydroponics is a sustainable solution to future food production, a growing process for plants that feeds on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water and doesn’t require soil to grow.

The funding will allow the schools to work in partnership to research, grow and share vegetables grown through hydroponic methods. Developing a garden laboratory and hopefully grow a successful crop in which to enjoy home grown vegetables.

Chair of Education Committee, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The hydroponic project is worthy of the Food for Thought funding, The project demonstrates innovation, offers dynamic learning experiences and offers an opportunity to broaden the skill set of pupils enabling them to make informed decisions, encourage food sharing within the community and learn about important environmental and sustainability issues. I wish all involved every success with the project and look forward in anticipation to see how the hydroponic growing method works in our environment and what opportunities it could develop for the future.”

Applecross and Lochcarron Cluster Head Teacher, Robert Gill commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have been successful in being awarded nearly £3,000 from the Food for Thought Funding application submitted to Education Scotland. I submitted the application at the end of last term and look forward to sharing the good news with the schools.  We are all immensely interested to see how this cutting edge learning opportunity develops in the months ahead and hope to report back successes and evidence of the children enjoying the vegetables they have grown. It is fantastic opportunity to embrace outdoor learning and empower the children and staff throughout the new school year.”

The project will begin next month and will be a phased approach outlined below:

• Phase One: Working between the two schools we will introduce ourselves to the science and methodology which lies behind hydroponic growing methods. This will form the initial research phase of the project. It will specifically involve looking at the ethics behind growing through hydroponic means. Following from this will investigate world food shortages, sustainability, as well as investigating hydroponic projects already going on in the wider world. It will offer an opportunity to learn about the quality and nutritional value of vegetables grown in this way.
• Phase Two: What is Hydroponics? – Understanding the different systems available. Research the different types of hydroponic systems which are used across the world. Meet online with growers and hydroponic specialists from across the world. Evaluate the pros and cons for each type of system – and then as a collective identify how to move forward and build our own systems. Identify suitable locations for the hydroponic system – we want this to be as unusual as possible.
• Phase Three: Source the range of equipment, purchase and install. We have sourced local and Scottish companies/providers which has been informative and helpful in identifying what vegetables could be suitable to grow, and which will provide us with the best chance of success. A STEM learning process for all involved.
• Phase Four: The Growing Phase - Investigating the timescales involved to maximise growth of our vegetables. How do we need to support and look after them during this critical rapid growing phase? Establish teams of children who specifically work across both of our schools. What is our feedback so far – how does hydroponic growing systems compare to our localised traditional methods? Using this opportunity to scientifically record progress and introduce important data handling.
• Phase Five: The Testing and Selling Phase - Taste testing of our hydroponic vegetables by children across both cluster primary schools. An end goal would be to work with The Highland Council to identify the suitability to supply hydroponic grown vegetables within the menus in our school kitchens.

The hydroponics project was one of 365 applications for the Food for Thought education funding of which 62 projects were successful. The application was assessed and graded by a panel from Education Scotland, Scottish Government, RHET and Zero Waste Scotland.