PUPILS at a dale school were treated to a bread-making masterclass in their new teaching kitchen, which was been installed to help them learn more about home economics and nutrition.
The food technology kitchen at Bowes Hutchinson’s Primary School has been installed thanks to funding from Durham County Council and the church diocese healthy schools budget, as well as from trustees.
In addition to several ovens, two induction hobs, a dishwasher and plenty of cupboards there are work surfaces at adult and children’s levels and a centralised work station where pupils can watch and take part in demonstrations.
The new kitchen classroom has been well-used since it was installed with children learning how to turn produce from their school gardening club into tasty meals. An interactive whiteboard enables staff and pupils to access recipes online, allowing them to whip up a wide range of delicious dishes.
Last week, pupils were treated to a masterclass in bread-making by baker Owen Moody, from Coghlans, in Barningham. Mr Moody brought along a batch of pre-made dough, and after talking through the process of proving and kneading, got the children to help whip up a few examples of French bread.
Headteacher Chris Matthewman said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the kitchen and I think it is very important the children learn how to be self sufficient and sustainable.
“We are the only school in County Durham that has a food for life group where everything that is served is cooked from scratch. Part of that is a commitment to employ teaching about food from cookery and sustainable living. I’m very keen and interested for the children to learn about cooking and teach them the journey from farm field to plate.
“We’re really grateful to Owen from Coghlans who has been showing the children how bread is made. He’s been teaching the children all about the different kinds and they’ve helped make French bread and fougasse.”
