Cooking Krew's healthy future

These days, as Leanne can testify, things are much more sophisticated - especially at Acklam Grange School in Middlesbrough where cookery is very firmly on the curriculum.

Learning to prepare ingredients to make a healthy meal is taught from bread making basics upwards.

Leanne has already learned how to make dishes including stuffed mushrooms and a hearty and healthy parsnip soup. What’s more, she and her colleagues at the Middlesbrough school have also helped to design and prepare a three course meal - starters, main courses and desserts - for a bistro style event run to feed the school’s staff, governors and parents.

She’s part of an after school club at the school called the Kool Cooking Krew which meets every week - and will go on a cooking trip to Italy later this year.

Recently schools minister Ed Balls announced that cookery is to be compulsory for all kids at secondary school as part of the Government’s drive to promote healthy lifestyles and battle the rising obesity rate problem.

Acklam Grange is already ahead of the game.

“I think that cookery is very interesting as there’s lots of different things you can do,� says Leanne. “I have been coming to the cookery club for two years. I joined because I was into food at the time and I was going to take it as an option so I thought this would be a good start.

“We have learnt quite a bit, like stuffed mushrooms and parsnip soup.

“We also did our own bistro where we did a starter, main course and dessert.�

She’s not alone in her views.

Abigail Lawrence, 12, has been a member of the after school club for six months.

“I don’t think that everyone should have to cook because it would be very difficult for some people and it can take a long time to learn,� says Abigail.

“At the club we learn to make basic things like bread, pizzas, quiches and things like that, it is not too difficult but it is not the easiest things either.

“I think learning to cook is important because when you are older and you leave home you don’t really want to be stuck with junk food you can get from the shop and stick in the microwave for 10 minutes.

“Also when you have grown up and have children of your own it means you know how to cook better things for them.�

Schools Secretary Ed Balls wants to see teenagers get compulsory cooking lessons - with an emphasis on making sure pupils can master simple, healthy recipes using fresh ingredients.

He’s asking the public to come up with ideas for classic English dishes and international cuisine that kids should be able to cook.

The new secondary curriculum strongly emphasises practical cooking skills, and will also include diet and nutrition, hygiene and safety and wise food shopping.

“If we can make sure that people are all learning to cook the basics, then maybe they can take that home and infuse some of that into their home environment,� said Mr Balls.

Tracey Quinn is the food technology teacher and group leader at Acklam Grange School.

At the weekly club she says the kids, aged 11 to 15, learn how to cook and how to choose ingredients that will make a healthy meal.

The older kids are mentoring younger members of the group and they all pull together to run events like the bistro - which also contribute to raising the cash they need for the five day trip to Italy.

“The group started in September 2006 and we had funding for a year - we’ve done all kinds of things,� says Tracey.

“In the summer we ran a bistro where we cooked a three course meal. At Christmas we prepared food for 70 adults.

“They learn basic skills like bread making for example, pastry skills, preparation of fruit and vegetables - basic life skills really. But learning is fun.�

She thinks compulsory cookery lessons for all kids are a good idea.

“I do think this would be a good thing, children can take the practicals of what they have learned at school. I’m all for it. Food is a subject to be enjoyed,� she adds.

Food, in fact, is very much on the agenda at schools across the area.

Anthony Kirkbride is the study support officer at Middlesbrough Council. As well as cooking clubs, he says, pupils are involved in all kinds of projects designed to teach healthy eating principles.

Last year children were involved in cooking the Middlesbrough Town Meal which followed on from a project dedicated to growing ingredients - they’ve also been to conferences, events and initiatives all over the country on the subject.

Cooking doesn’t need to be compulsory for members of Acklam Grange School’s Kool Cooking Krew.

The youngsters love cooking up a storm and here they tell us why:

Kathryn Jones, 13:

“I think everyone should cook as it is fun and if everyone did, it would be good as we would all be able to learn how to do healthy food.

“We have learned how to do different things. I have made carrot cake and quiches, chocolate mousse and eggnog trifle.

“Learning to cook is important because it means you can cook at home instead of just buying things ready made from the shop.�

Leonie Farrugia, 11:

“It is important to learn to cook so that when you’re older you know how.

“We have learned how to make lots of things like chocolate mousse, quiches and mince pies. We also learn dishes from other countries.

“I also cook at home. I just ask my mum if I can do some and she normally says yes. I just do simple things at home like making bacon sandwiches.�

Sundas Hussain, 13:

“I think that people who enjoy cooking should do it. I like cooking so I joined the club and it started to become fun.

“I have been going for two years and have learned how to make flapjacks, pizzas and quiches, eggnog trifle and chocolate mousse.

“We have also learned how to protect ourselves from germs by washing your hands before making anything.�

Rachael Chubb, 14:

“Everyone should learn to cook because it is fun. I joined the club because I like cooking and my friends were going and they said it was good. Learning to cook is important because it helps you to look after yourself and you learn how to make healthier foods.�

Alex Dent, 15:

“I don’t think people should be forced to learn to cook but if they enjoy it then they should do it of course. I love cooking and have been going to the club for two years. I have learned how to make lots of things like apple crumble and carrot cake.

“Being able to cook is important for when you grow up and have to fend for yourself. It also helps you to be healthy as you can make things that are nice but also healthy.�

So... what’s your recipe?

Schools Minister Ed Balls wants people to suggest simple, healthy recipes young people can learn at school.

Here are a few of our suggestions:

A simple risotto;

A pasta dish - spaghetti bolognaise, for example;

A healthy garden salad with homegrown leaves;

A simple, basic curry dish;

Apple crumble or pie;

A simple casserole or stew with root vegetables;

A homemade pizza with healthy topping;

An omelette - or poached eggs

Roast chicken, and

A basic sponge cake

You can send your suggestions to the Government via email on getcooking.consultation@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk - the best ones will be published as a guide for schools.