GSCE cookery students from Sheffield High School for Girls stepped outside the classroom for real life experience with three professionals in a cookery masterclass.
The 13 pupils, who are the first to study GSCE Food Preparation and Nutrition at Sheffield Girls’ Senior School, rolled up their sleeves to join in workshops with Waitrose butcher and fishmonger John Barker and former alumna, now baker at BakesbyButter, Lizzie Schofield.
The girls were also given an insight into working in a professional kitchen by Leslie Buddington, head chef at award-winning Sheffield restaurant Brocco on the Park.
The session was hosted by Harriet Coulthard of family run bespoke kitchen making company My Fathers Heart at their Broadfields Court showroom.
Helen Simpson, Sheffield Girl’s cookery and nutrition teacher said: “The aim of the day was to provide the students with the expert skills that they need to achieve the top grades in their qualification.
“You cannot beat hands on experience from professionals away from the classroom to translate text book information into practical skills.”
John Barker showed the students how to fillet and bone mackerel, dover sole and chicken while Lizzie Schofield gave a baking workshop on best techniques followed by tips on presentation and plating from Leslie Buddington.
Student Issy Edwards said: “I have developed skills which I can use for the rest of my life and most of all I can cook so many wonderful dishes! It isn’t all written work – we do vast amounts of cooking and it never gets boring.”
Fellow student Jess Mowthorpe added: “I have learnt so much already and hope to take the skills I have learnt in the course, into a career in the food industry.
“There is such a great atmosphere in the kitchen when we are cooking, and we make a huge variety of meals, we can also alter what we are cooking to fit our likes and dislikes and can express our creativity within these dishes.
“I personally really enjoy the practical lessons, because they are so much fun and in a low pressure situation and you can really be yourself.”
