By Miss Alarcon (Junior School Teacher)

On Wednesday, Year 4 swapped their classrooms for the bustling stalls of Bedford Market, embarking on a delicious mission to buy ingredients for the ultimate homemade salad.

Armed with shopping lists, reusable bags, and plenty of enthusiasm, the girls set off in pairs with the challenge of choosing their own ingredients, comparing prices, and deciding quantities. For many, it was their first experience of independently shopping for fresh produce, and they rose to it brilliantly.

The market was alive with colour and chatter as the girls inspected cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and more, learning how to select fresh ingredients and get the best value. Back at school, the classroom became a busy kitchen as they washed, chopped, grated, and mixed their ingredients, developing practical skills along the way.

Some took their salads to the next level by creating dressings using olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and mustard, while others focused on presentation, turning their plates into works of art.

The all-important taste test brought plenty of smiles, with many pleasantly surprised by how delicious fresh ingredients could be. Each girl also took a portion home to share, and Eva R (4A) reported: “My brother, who is usually a picky eater, wanted to have more of my salad!”

The experience developed independence, teamwork, budgeting skills, and confidence, while showing that healthy eating can be creative, delicious, and fun.

Well done, Year 4, we are very proud of you all.