Graduation Task Overview
For those considering enrolling in our diploma courses, the graduation task represents the bread and the principle of sharing. The task is to create a recipe that uses the BALM protocol as the framework and the practical application of knowledge. This task requires students to develop a personalised bread recipe adhering to the Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) protocol. It is an edible demonstration of a deep understanding of the principles of personalised nutrition and the therapeutic potential of bread-making.
Each student is tasked with creating a recipe that is more than just a culinary achievement; it is a testament to their ability to integrate scientific research into practical baking. These recipes are tailored to address specific health needs and conditions, supported by robust evidence and research references.
Examples of such personalisation include:
- Fermentation and Gluten Breakdown: Recipes might explore techniques to enhance fermentation processes, improve gluten breakdown, and reduce FODMAPs for individuals with digestive sensitivities.
- Nutrient Availability: Some recipes could focus on enhancing the bioavailability of essential minerals and vitamins, addressing conditions such as anaemia by incorporating ingredients rich in iron and folate.
- Specific Nutritional Requirements: Tailored recipes might be designed, for example, for postpartum recovery or for focusing on ingredients supporting nutritional requirements, such as reducing phytic acid to increase iron absorption in someone with anaemia. It might be for gut microbiome support and tissue repair in an athlete or baking for someone to hep managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
- High Nutrition Needs: Recipes might be tailored to cancer patients, prioritising high-nutrient density and easy digestibility to support overall health during chemotherapy.
- Autoimmune Conditions: For individuals with autoimmune diseases, recipes might be crafted to include anti-inflammatory ingredients and exclude potential dietary triggers.
- Social Prescribing: The programme also recognises the therapeutic role of baking in mental health. Recipes might be created for teenagers experiencing anxiety or for elderly individuals needing enhanced nutrient intake and fibre for gut health.
The Diploma ensures that students are well-versed in nutrition and therapeutic baking. Creating these recipes is not only a demonstration of their knowledge but also a practical exercise in developing delicious, practical, and desirable baked goods.
At The Sourdough School, we hold a strong belief in the communal sharing of knowledge, drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of “Ba.” This principle underlines the importance of creating a shared space where knowledge is collectively developed and disseminated. The graduation task is a manifestation of this ethos, where each student’s work contributes to a larger body of resources that benefits the entire community.
Unlike traditional examinations, our approach to assessment is deeply practical and communal. We culminate this learning journey with an “eaten exam,” where the created recipes are shared and enjoyed within the community. This practice symbolises our commitment to the principle of sharing—both bread and knowledge—reinforcing our identity as a centre of community learning and support.
In conclusion, the graduation task at The Sourdough School is not just an academic requirement; it is a holistic demonstration of a student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world scenarios. It embodies our core values of personalisation, community, and the therapeutic potential of baking.
