Young Chefs in the Making! Priory Students Cook Up Confidence in the Kitchen
By Schools Correspondent
Eight students at Priory Community School have been taking part in the Cook5 with CRuNCH programme, learning to cook five simple, healthy meals while developing practical cooking skills, confidence and teamwork.
CRuNCH believes that food is power.
The charity's mission is to improve the long-term physical and mental health and wellbeing of 11–18-year-olds through practical cooking and nutrition education.
Over five fun, hands-on sessions, students learn how to prepare nutritious meals from scratch, build their understanding of healthy eating and develop essential life skills that stay with them for life.
Students are encouraged to take recipes home and cook for their families, helping to build confidence in the kitchen and inspire healthier eating beyond the classroom.
Kate Bolton-Jones, Founder and CEO of CRuNCH, said:
“It's been fantastic working with the students at Priory. They've learnt to cook five healthy meals, but it's about so much more than cooking. It's about building confidence, working together, trying new foods and discovering what they're capable of.”
The programme has been a big hit with students.
Several said making the fajitas was their favourite session, while one student commented, “I loved making the meatballs and sauce!”
Others reflected on the skills they had developed:
“I learnt how to be careful and act maturely around knives.” “I've learnt the bridge and the claw,” said another student, referring to two important knife skills taught during the programme.
Kody, 11, added: “There are a lot of spices in foods!” Teachers have also been impressed by the teamwork, enthusiasm and confidence shown by the group throughout the programme.
Shakira, 12, said: “I was a massive help and enjoyed taking photos of the students.” The young chefs have one final challenge to complete next week as they cook a smoky black bean chilli before graduating from the programme.
