Barnabas is the CEO of The Greenpower Education Trust. This charity works with young people nationally to introduce them to using their STEM education in a very practical way to create battery-driven vehicles that then compete in regional and national heats.

Having experienced 'Greenpower' as a teacher, headteacher, and now as CEO of the Design & Technology Association, I was desperate to get behind the scenes with its new CEO and explore the people and passion that make Greenpower so compelling to so many students (and their parents nationally).

In this podcast, we follow Barnabas through school in Surrey and a challenging home situation that at least partly defined his early years. I should warn listeners that this episode talks very frankly about depression, mental illness and suicide, so please exercise caution before listening. That said, I cannot thank Barnabas enough for his honesty in the interview; our experiences help define us and the genuine, hard-working and empathetic CEO that he is today is a result of his life experiences to date.

We follow his journey to America, where he took time to learn about himself and found a faith that has helped to drive him since.

He returns home to a succession of jobs that indirectly and almost accidentally lead to a career in Youth work that has recently segwayed into running Greenpower Education Trust.

I loved this conversation, and I know you will too, so sit back, put the headphones on, pour something nice to drink and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Barnabas Shelbourne.

https://www.greenpower.co.uk/
https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/home/help-now/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiOGF6J-ligMV5opQBh1sIy9KEAAYAiAAEgK9JfD_BwE

In this episode, we turn to Food and Nutrition in the school curriculum and look at the challenges facing this aspect of National Curriculum education. Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to be introduced to Leith's Education and walked through their curriculum resources from KS1 to Post 16 (and extracurricular). These come at a cost (see below), but having seen them, I believe these are resources that every school should at least consider. See https://leiths.com/

We also discuss how Leith's has partnered with Roehampton University to create a new PGCE course aimed at increasing the number of teachers qualifying in this area over the coming years. Alongside this, there is a Level 7 course suitable for those perhaps without a degree but with life experience and other qualifications that can assist their pathway into teaching.

Leith's Education has supplied the following information:

Leiths Education has been working with schools for over 25 years and has grown from the renowned culinary school founded by Prue Leith in 1975. Its work is all about helping schools deliver exceptional cookery teaching for children and young people of all ages.

Food education faces significant challenges with steadily reducing numbers of specialist teachers in secondary schools, few practical cookery lessons in primary schools, and insufficient facilities and equipment in many schools. To help reverse these trends, Leiths has teamed up with the University of Roehampton to introduce two new national qualifications to help fast-track the recruitment and training of food teachers.

For more information, visit https://leiths.com/explore/professional-development/

Course costs (for more details, please see Leith's Education website).

Registration Fee
Only for schools delivering the below accredited and life skills cookery courses
Leiths Education Standard Package £3,250
Accredited courses - a total of 3 visits over the duration of the course
Life Skills courses - a total of 2 visits over the duration of the course

Cookalong Courses
Per annum subscription, no limit on student numbers (no registration fee required)
Leiths Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum £395
Leiths Key Stage 3 Curriculum £595
Leiths Co-Curricular Cookery £595

Student Assessment Fees
Payable per student, this fee covers all course-specific costs
Accredited Cookery Courses
Leiths CTH Level 3 Extended Certificate in Professional Cookery £545
Leiths CTH Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills £345

So sit back and enjoy Designed for Life in conversation with Maria Dunbar, Director of Education at Leith's Education.

Thanks, as always, to the Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.

In this week’s episode of Designed for Life, we are fortunate to speak with Dr Hilary Leevers, the Chief Executive of Engineering UK.

We break from the usual show format to explore some of the data surrounding entry to engineering as a profession and discuss Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, which this year runs from November 11th to 15th.

EngineeringUK drives change so that more young people choose engineering and technology careers. You can join us by getting involved in Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024. This annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing the amazing work that engineers do and inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering. It’s an exciting opportunity for schools, teachers and industry professionals to come together and make a real impact.

Want to get involved? You can find everything you need to participate in this year’s events, including activities, resources, and ways to engage, by visiting the official website: www.eukeducation.org.uk/teweek

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Be part of the buzz on social media by using the hashtag #TEWeek24. Check out all the resources and prepare for a week packed with inspiration and innovation!

This is a wide-ranging conversation around all entry routes to engineering as a career I know you will find interesting (engaging education and industry colleagues alike). So sit back, put those headphones in and listen to Designed for Life in conversation with Dr Hilary Leevers.

Thanks as always to The Edge Foundation for their continued support of Designed for Life.