The Diploma at The Sourdough School goes far beyond any other course in the way we approach traditional baking education, delving into the art and science of personalising bread to enhance health and wellbeing. It’s a comprehensive program designed not just to teach the craft of baking but to understand and apply the nuanced process of personalising bread to meet specific health needs, using our foundational Baking as Lifestyle Medicine (BALM) protocol.
Understanding How Our Courses Work:
- Module Structure:
- We offer two distinct modules: the Bake for Health Module and the Personalising Bread Module.
- Each module is designed to complement the other, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
- Bake for Health Module:
- This module focuses on the practical aspects of baking sourdough bread for optimal health.
- The content is structured into three syllabi, following the Oxbridge terms timetable.
- Weekly live baking clinic interactive sessions that are held on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm (GMT) to discuss course tasks and assignments.
- Participants are encouraged to refrain from skipping ahead in the baking process and to actively participate in the forum to contribute to the learning community.
- A living syllabus approach ensures that course materials are regularly updated and relevant.
- Personalising Bread Module:
- This module complements the Bake for Health Module by providing theoretical knowledge and understanding. You watch a lecture, or read a feature that focuses on how bread and dietary choices impact physical and mental health. There are a wide range of topics.
- Live sessions run concurrently with the Bake for Health Module, this is conversational and interactive Weekly interactive sessions that are held on Tuesday evenings at 6 pm (GMT) to discuss course and bring insight into the research and theory behind bread’s effects on health.
- Participants are encouraged to engage with the provided resources and ask questions to deepen their understanding.
- Course Structure:
- Both modules span one year, with an additional year provided for refining graduation recipes.
- The curriculum is designed for repetition and depth, allowing participants to revisit topics and apply knowledge over time.
- Live sessions are interactive and responsive, tailored to address participant interests and queries.
- Completion and Graduation:
- Participants have the flexibility to learn at their own pace over the two-year period.
- Graduation involves showcasing a final recipe that reflects the participant’s learning and creativity.
- Feedback and engagement from participants shape the evolution of the course, ensuring it remains relevant and enriching.
The Two Modules
Overview of The Diploma
- Understanding the Impact of Bread on Health: Students begin by exploring how mass-produced bread can negatively influence health and why the personalisation of bread through the BALM protocol offers a path to improvement, particularly for the gut microbiome and mental health.
- The Science of Fermentation: A deep dive into how slow, long fermentation processes not only enhance the flavour and texture of bread but also contribute to significant health benefits, grounding our understanding in scientific evidence.
- Practical Application of Personalised Bread: Each week, students apply theoretical knowledge to the practical baking of personalised bread. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding how to tailor bread to specific health needs and dietary preferences.
- Unique Insights into Gut Health: Through the course, students gain a unique perspective on how the BALM approach influences the gut microbiome and overall health, supported by pre- and post-course gut microbiome testing and personalised feedback sessions.
- Case Studies and Clinical Practice: The programme includes appraisal of case studies demonstrating the positive impact of personalised bread on physical and mental health outcomes. This evidence base supports medical professionals in incorporating BALM into their clinical practice, offering a new dimension to patient care.
- Community Health and Social Prescription: Emphasising the ‘bake two, share one’ principle, the course encourages community connection and support, addressing loneliness and social isolation. This principle was inspired by transformative stories from healthcare professionals who have witnessed the power of shared baking to change lives.
- BALM as Activism: Students are encouraged to view and participate in BALM as a form of activism, promoting a healthier, more connected society through the medium of bread.
- Graduation and Beyond: The culmination of the Diploma involves creating and sharing a case study and a personalised bread formula or cake recipe. Graduates can apply for a license to prescribe BALM, extending the benefits of their learning to patients and communities. The journey continues with the opportunity to mentor and inspire the next generation, staying connected as an Alumni member.
This Diploma is not merely an educational pursuit; it’s a movement towards integrating the nurturing power of bread into our lives and healthcare practices. It’s about bringing joy, nourishment, and a deep sense of purpose to both the baker and those with whom they share their creations. Through the personalised approach to bread-making taught in this program, we aim to forge stronger connections between healthcare professionals and patients, enhance physical and mental health through diet, and empower a community of bakers to make a difference in the world, one loaf at a time.
