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Highlighting the importance of social sciences – with chocolate

Posted on 18 November 2015

A-level students used the global supply chain of the humble chocolate bar to highlight the importance of social sciences in a workshop hosted by the University of York.

Students from Fulford School attend the workshop

Staff from the Management School and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) hosted a workshop with A-level geography students from Fulford School, York.

The workshop was called “From Farm to Fork: Mapping Complexity” and was held as part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science week -  intended to widen public awareness and engagement around the importance of social sciences.

Students were encouraged to discuss food supply chain risks and the sustainability of food as well as think about developing more equitable solutions to food consumption, production and trade.

It is hoped the workshop illustrated the potential interactive learning may have in helping students translate complex ideas into thought-provoking and easily-accessible work.

Professor Bob Doherty, Professor of Marketing, York Management School, said: “I was impressed with both the students and teachers from Fulford School who were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the pressures on the global food system. Sharing our research with local schools is an area we should develop further in this topic area.”

Peter Hickling, Head of Geography, Fulford School added: “The students came out of the workshop with a real buzz about the globalisation of food and about the idea of studying at university. I look forward to being involved with future projects with the SEI.”

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