Nutrition Education
At Berlage Lyceum, we have an active policy on healthy eating. Nutrition education has a fixed place in our curriculum.
In lower secondary (onderbouw), we help students gain insight into their own habits and the impact of those habits on their health.
In upper secondary (bovenbouw), the focus shifts more to the societal aspects of food. During various projects (like My Food Matters) and biology lessons, we pay attention to food and health.
Starting next school year, nutrition education will also be included in mentor classes for first year students (brugklassen), using the recognized program "Weet Wat Je Eet" (Know What You Eat).

Healthy Offerings
In addition to raising awareness, the school also has a responsibility to provide healthy food options for students to choose from.
This includes having a clear policy describing the requirements for all food and drinks offered at school.

Our key principles:

• We encourage students to independently choose healthy foods
• There is one central food service point per cafeteria
• No advertising for unhealthy food is allowed in the school

Quality Assurance
Each year, we assess our cafeteria offerings using the Canteen Scan (De Kantinescan). Since May 2018, we have met the Silver standard. The scan is completed by the cafeteria staff and the Healthy School Coordinator, and the results are reported to school leadership annually. We also review the quality perception of the food with the cafeteria operator each year.
 

As of May 1, 2018, these are the minimum food requirements:

• At least 60% of the cafeteria offerings must meet the "Better Choice" standard as defined by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum)
• Fruit and vegetables must be available
• Each cafeteria must offer a freshly prepared warm meal or lunch with vegetables at least twice a week
• At all times, there must be an option for a nutritious organic, vegetarian, and plant-based lunch
• All bread must be whole grain and freshly made
• Energy drinks and coffee are not available to students
• There is a clean and freely accessible water tap in both buildings
   

Berlage Lyceum aims to reach the Gold level.
This requires at least 80% compliance with the Nutrition Centre’s "Better Choice" standards, and the overall presentation must actively encourage healthy choices by students.
After the cafeteria closes at 13:30, the food vending machines must meet the Silver standard, and unsold sandwiches are donated to a social organization rather than thrown away.
 

In Practice
Health surveys in years 2 and 4 (conducted by the GGD – Municipal Health Services) provide insights into students’ eating habits.
In addition, the Student Support Team (ZAT), teachers, care coordinators, mentors, confidential advisors, and school social workers are involved in identifying and addressing nutrition-related issues.
When necessary, these staff members hold individual conversations with students about their eating habits and well-being.

Jongerenrechtbank
We believe it’s important that you feel safe at school. To support this, we have a Jongerenrechtbank. Under the guidance of a professional, students are given responsibility for resolving conflicts.

The Jongerenrechtbank is an initiative of Stichting Jongerenrechtbanken Nederland (Dutch Jongerenrechtbank Foundation) and is organized in collaboration with participating schools, the courts, the public prosecutor’s office, and the police.

It’s also a great opportunity to explore careers in law, such as becoming a judge or lawyer.