The School Apple Project (SAP) took place from October 2018 to March 2019.
Four schools in the Derwent Valley AAP, including Our Lady and St Joseph’s Brooms Primary (115 children), Consett Juniors (203 children), Collierley Primary (155 children), and Delves Lane Primary (350 children), along with the Benfieldside Brownies (35 children), participated in SAP. An additional 122 children from Castleside Primary, just outside the Derwent Valley AAP boundary, were involved due to match funding from Catherine Cookson Trust.
Set-up meetings were conducted at each site, and suitability for fruit trees was assessed.
Nearly 1000 children attended the SAP assembly, raising awareness about food waste, seasonality, apple tree needs, and apple uses. The project utilized surplus apples donated by the local community for cooking sessions. OASES provided collection boxes for the Great Apple Swap.
Each participating class and the Brownies attended apple pressing workshops, where 100% pure apple juice was made. Taste tests of various apple varieties were conducted.
Additional workshops involved making rainbow fruit skewers (for key stage 1) and jam making (for key stage 2). The children designed posters and labels, prepared the fruit, and learned the jam-making process. At one school, children ran a jam stall at a school fair, showcasing their products.
Orchards were planted on school sites, with families invited to participate. A total of 40 fruit trees (apple, pear, and plum) were planted across the sites. Each site received an orchard care guide, ensuring the long-term health of the trees. Planting was done with necessary supplies for tree protection and nourishment.
