Kids make their own kitchen rules

By Kara Irving
MOVE over Masterchef, Lyndhurst Secondary College students are cooking up a storm.
Last week Year 8 students were involved in the school’s annual ‘My Kitchen Rules’ program which saw students research, design and prepare a three-course meal for two members of their family.
At the beginning of the program students were encouraged to choose a multicultural cuisine they could prepare on the night. Many students opted for Italian, Australian, Asian, Mexican and European-inspired menus.
Students were required to work on the project across all disciplines throughout the semester, including writing a cover letter in English, totalling their food budget in maths, designing their menus in art and ultimately preparing their meal in food technology classes.
Students were also taught basic waiting and serving skills to apply to situations outside of school.
“It was a skill that I wanted them to use throughout their lives,” Year 8 food technology teacher Elizabeth Roshiah said.
On the presentation night students had 90 minutes to prepare a three-course meal for two of their family members and were also required to set the table and clean up.
In total more than 50 parents and family members attended the night, with many providing high praise for the students’ achievement.
“All the children were well presented and it appeared that all the meals were of a very high standard,” parents Tracey and Nathan Prowd said.
“Considerable effort and planning went into the evening by both students and teachers. Lyndhurst offers such a wide and diverse opportunity for the students and their families and should be commended on this.”
Due to popular demand the program, originally designed for one class in first semester, was extended to second semester so more classes could participate.