Through the programme, students will discover the simplicity and sustainability of healthy eating, as well as the impact of food miles and how good nutrition leads to better wellbeing

Dubai, May 31, 2022: Three GEMS Education schools from the GEMS Wellington group have joined celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s global ‘Bite Back 2030’ campaign. The aim is to educate students on the importance of healthy meals and nutrition and furthering their understanding of food technology.

Bite Back 2030 began in the UK, where students have led a movement of young people to step up and take charge of the national conversation on child health and nutrition. Together, they have created and championed strategies within their schools, both at corporate and government level, to tackle rising obesity rates.

The impact of the campaign has already led to policy changes in the UK. GEMS Wellington schools have become the first international partners on this important mission.

The schools involved include GEMS Wellington Academy-Al Khail, GEMS Wellington Academy–Silicon Oasis and GEMS Wellington International School. 

The schools’ teachers have been learning from the team of experts at Bite Back 2030 about what has been effective in the UK in terms of creative cooking classes and understanding campaign strategies, which has helped the schools create extra-curricular activities and student-led initiatives such as school recipe books and a review of school canteen menus.

Under the guidance of each GEMS Wellington school’s Bite Back Ambassador, students are discovering the simplicity and sustainability of healthy eating, as well as the impact of food miles and how good nutrition leads to better wellbeing.

Jennifer Kilsby, Bite Back Ambassador, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis says, “We have been creating recipes made by Jack Deane, Head Teaching Chef at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School. His recipes have helped inspire the Bite Back team in secondary to create delicious home cooked ‘Fakeaway’-style food, which is quick and easy but more nutritionally balanced than a typical takeaway meal. We are excited to lead this initiative and can’t wait for this movement to grow across all GEMS schools and hopefully even across the UAE.”

A-level Food Technology

Meanwhile, at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail (WEK) 27 students are taking GCSE Food Technology, and the new A-level will give these students, as well as new joiners, an opportunity to continue and further their studies in the subject.

Accredited by the Northern Ireland exam board, the new A-level qualification will allow young people to develop the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in a variety of industries including sports nutrition, catering, hospitality management and sustainable development.