Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students have taken part in an inspiring series of three hands-on cooking workshops led by Prept.Foundation, a charity dedicated to enhancing food education in secondary schools. The organisation aims to equip young people with essential life skills through immersive learning experiences that build confidence in the kitchen, deepen understanding of food, and open doors to careers in the diverse world of hospitality.
Each in-school session was delivered by Chef Ellie from Prept.Foundation, supported by professional chefs from Seasons Cookery School at Lainston House. Across the three workshops, students created a series of dishes, with each session focusing on a unique theme.
The first workshop challenged students to “plate like a professional chef,” introducing them to the skills and creativity behind restaurant-standard presentation. The second explored healthy street food, encouraging students to balance flavour with nutrition. The final workshop centred on sustainability, where students learned about reducing food waste, choosing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and preparing dishes that champion ethical and environmentally conscious eating.
The sustainability session was further enriched by the expertise of Andy Mackenzie, Executive Chef for the Exclusive Chefs Academy at Lainston House Hotel. Chef Andy guided students through the classic French dish Moules Marinière, giving many their first opportunity to try mussels. As he demonstrated, he taught students about sustainable fishing, seafood knowledge, and the structure of the professional kitchen brigade.
Throughout the workshop series, students developed a strong understanding of how food choices impact the planet, gaining valuable insight into the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of food sustainability.
These workshops have not only strengthened students’ practical cookery skills but have also inspired them to think critically about the role food plays in shaping their future—and the future of the world around them.
