Students take new product from design to reality

Sandiwilkens Leah Franklin And Kobe And Jesse  TBW Newsgroup
DESIGNER DONUTS: Reidy Park Primary School teacher Sandi Wilkens with Leah Franklin and donut designers Kobe and Jesse as they show off their marvellous creations. Picture: CHARLOTTE VARCOE

Sandiwilkens Leah Franklin And Kobe And Jesse  TBW Newsgroup
DESIGNER DONUTS: Reidy Park Primary School teacher Sandi Wilkens with Leah Franklin and donut designers Kobe and Jesse as they show off their marvellous creations. Picture: CHARLOTTE VARCOE

EXCITEMENT echoed through Sandi Wilkens’ Year 3 classroom at Reidy Park Primary School this week as students saw their creative food concepts become a commercial reality.

Students took a new donut flavour from concept to creation, part of a persuasive learning program.

A key component of the initiative had students contact Leah Franklin of Just Frank to pitch their creations.

“Here at Reidy Park we like to make the learning as realistic as possible,” Ms Wilkens said.

“The students originally wrote a letter to Leah in an attempt to persuade her to try their donut ideas.

“Some students had a magnificent pitch. It was a very tough choice.”

After much deliberation, Ms Wilkens and Ms Franklin settled on a Nutella and Tim Tam inspired donut decorated by Kobe and Jesse.

“To see their creations come true I think it encourages them to pursue their ideas,” Ms Wilkens said.

“It has also been so good for the kids to be able to make something and have it come to life.

“That is why we have persuasive text to encourage people to try our products.”

The donuts – made fresh by Ms Franklin – are now supplied to Metro Bakery and Cafe.

Ms Wilkens said the students had been more engaged with their learning through the hands-on process.

“To go into a store as a child and know the process behind the making of a product – that has to be something special,” Ms Franklin said.

Year 3 classes are now starting to move onto bigger projects, including designing new recycling bins for the school.