Year 9 students at Erdington Academy cooked up a storm in a fantastic expert-led cooking workshop, delivered by professional chefs from the world-famous Belfry Hotel.
Chefs Dean Cole and Dan Richards guided the students through the process of creating a delicious three-course meal from scratch, using only the freshest produce provided by the Belfry.
The workshop formed part of the Academy’s Enrichment Day event, which engages students in several activities to help them tap into undiscovered passions and helps them when they are considering their KS4 curriculum at the school, which is part of the ambitious Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust.
Teacher of Food Kerrian Folkes, who organised the workshop, said: “It’s important that the students develop their cooking skills, both as a life skill and as a potential career opportunity, as many of them will discover a passion for catering and hospitality today.”
On the menu was a roasted red pepper and tomato soup filled with resh vegetables and served with croutons; a stuffed chicken dish with fondant potatoes and a vegetable sauce; and for pudding – chocolate fondant.
Chef Dean said: “We really wanted the kids to enjoy themselves, learn a bit about how professional chefs work and get them collaborating with each other. They learned that in the industry, you don’t get the finished product unless every team works together – and this is a lesson that will help them in all walks of life.
“It’s important for us at the Belfry to get involved with young people. Chefing is a dying art, so if we can get kids in the kitchen at that grassroots level, they might discover an unknown passion for it.”
Mrs Folkes said: “It’s great for us to have the Belfry here. They are fantastic, patient chefs who teach the skills we are unable to impart on our students. They bring expert outside knowledge which our students really embrace.”
One of the main lessons Dean and Dan hoped the students would take away from their day in the kitchen was the importance of using fresh ingredients for a balanced diet.
Belfry chefs give Erdington Academy students a masterclass in cooking
Dean said: “Today they used all fresh produce, which is key to a healthy diet. Youngsters today often consume a lot of takeaways and ready-made meals, so teaching that cooking with fresh food is easy and fun is essential.”
Mrs Folkes said: “These skills will always be used, and the students can even put what they learned today in their CV. They can take these skills further in life and not only access career opportunities, but potentially discover a real passion for food and catering.”
Principal Simon Mallett said: “Enrichment Day is an important part of our curriculum programme at Erdington Academy, where students get to learn more about things they are interested in.
“We are very grateful to the Belfry for providing such a valuable and hands-on experience for our students.”