Students at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy (OBA) recently had the unique experience of making sherbet with the iconic confectionary manufacturer, Swizzels
Food Technologist, Chloe Cohen and Technical Manager, Lynda Hallam from Swizzels, which is based in New Mills, Derbyshire visited OBA in January as part of the company’s first-ever school outreach programme. The pair gave some background to the company, which is now over 90 years old, before showing Year 8 students at the academy how to make their very own sherbet creations.
Students were impressed to learn that Lynda was the one who invented ‘Squashies’ and amazed to hear that the company make 10 million ‘Squashies’ and around 24 million ‘Fizzers’ tablets each day, 364 days a year – they are only closed on Christmas day.
Elements of packaging, design, and graphics along with market research were discussed with students before Chloe and Lynda launched the ‘Double Dip’ project. Students have been tasked with creating two complementary sherbet flavours with the winning designers receiving a tour around the famous sweet factory. Flavour, colours and packaging will all need to be considered. Students worked in groups to list flavour ideas and the best, most inventive ones, are now being ordered for them to make their own. Chloe and Lynda will return to OBA in February to check progress and taste initial samples, then again in March to assess the final presentation of sherbet and designs before accompanying the winners on an exclusive guided tour in April.
As part of the workshop in school, Lynda and Chloe shared the Swizzels sherbet recipe and whilst having a go at making their own, students learned that it is not as easy as it looks!
Mr Robison, OBA Lead for the Ormiston Academies Trust #WeWill social action project said:
“As a teacher, it’s great to be able to run activities like this as they are the sort experiences that students remember when they get older. It’s also nice to have our students work with professionals, they took the task seriously even though it was also a lot of fun”.
Lynda Hallam, Technical Manager at Swizzels, said
“We are delighted to be working with Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy and to give the students an introduction to the application of food technology in the confectionery industry. We are excited to see the development of their new product ideas and designs.”