This is an exciting year for the Cookery Department as for the first time, New Hall School is collaborating with Leiths Academy. A small cluster of schools has been selected by Leiths to participate in a pilot program, delivering an array of new courses. The Introduction to Confident Cookery course is aimed at Year 12 students and is delivered over three terms.  The participants will complete a Level 2 food hygiene and allergens assessment and will cover 33 lessons over the academic year. Following their final assessment, which gives students an opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned, they receive ICC certification.

The 10 participating students have fully immersed themselves in a three-term course dedicated to go-to recipes which will not only improve their cookery skills but allow them to carry out seasonal work on sailing boats and in chalets. The cohort have a weekly demonstration lesson followed by a double practical lesson and we have regular visits from leading members of the Leiths team.  Last Friday, Mrs Xenia Murray from Leiths Academy visited the ICC programme at New Hall for the first time, to see how the students were faring and supporting staff in their delivery. The lesson, which included toad in the hole, onion gravy and sautéed cavolo nero, was an undisputed success with the students having followed the time plan accurately and produced beautifully presented food. During the tasting session Mrs Murray commented “I would pay to eat that in a pub!” Staff and students were thrilled by the positive comments and felt encouraged that the course was on the right track.

We look forward to a long-term collaboration with Leiths Academy and for future Year 12 students to partake in this exciting venture. Please follow our New Hall Cookery page on Instagram.