What Do Children Cook at School in England?

Curious about what children cook at school in England? Here’s a look at my son’s Year 7 lessons, the recipes he’s tried, and the life skills he’s gaining.

When was the first time you cooked something? Your first contact with a hob, an oven or even fire?
Did you know that 11-year-old children learn how to cook in English schools?

You probably have many questions. In this post, I’m going to answer them and share the recipes my son has already tried.

Before I continue, I want to mention that this article is based on our family’s experience. My son attends a state secondary school in England.

What Do Children Cook at School in England?

The Surprise on My Son’s Timetable

When secondary school started, my son received his timetable and I was excited to see what he would study in Year 7. I was surprised to discover new subjects such as Drama, Religion and Philosophy, and Food Technology.

Food Technology? Are they going to learn about food and ingredients? Yes — and they actually cook too.

Cutting Apples, Not Fingers

I was nervous at first. I had never taught him how to cut apples, for example, because I am usually the one preparing food at home. Well… that didn’t do him any favours, did it?

The first recipe on the Food Technology list was a fresh fruit salad, which meant he had to use a knife at school. Fingers crossed — and fingers away from the blade!

How did it go? He made the salad, it tasted delicious, and he came home with all his fingers. Success!

What Do Children Carry to School on Food Technology Days?

One thing I find very funny is what I discover in his backpack on Wednesdays, the day he has Food Technology. Instead of his usual PE kit, he carries sugar, flour, vegetables or fruit — whatever the recipe of the week requires.

How Do Children Know What Recipe They Have to Cook?

The children know what they will cook through Google Classroom. At the beginning of the school year, the teacher uploads a Recipe Booklet with all the recipes. Before each lesson, the children receive a reminder with the ingredients, quantities and method.

Do They Eat the Food in School?

Whatever they cook or bake, they bring home in a food container from home.

What Do Children Cook at School in England?

How Many Recipes Do They Learn?

According to my son’s Recipe Booklet, there are 12 recipes listed for Year 7. So far, he has completed four. I’m not sure if the recipes are distributed across the school year or per term, but I think it’s per term.

What Recipes Has He Made So Far?

So far, he has cooked:

• Fresh Fruit Salad (his first recipe in Food Technology and you can see it at the beginning of the article)
• Coleslaw
• Shortbread
• Scones

And he made them independently at school!

What Are Shortbread and Scones?

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit — buttery, crumbly and delicious.
Scones are small baked treats made with flour, butter, sugar and milk, and are part of the classic English afternoon tea tradition, usually served with jam.

Both were fun for him to make and even more fun for us to taste and you can actually see the scones he made at school in the first picture.

Why I Love the Food Technology Subject

Living in England continues to surprise me, especially when I see the differences in the school system compared to what I grew up with. As a parent, I am genuinely happy that children learn to cook at school. They gain confidence, independence and practical life skills.

“I don’t know how to cook” won’t be an excuse for them.

Now it’s your turn. When was the first time you cooked, baked or boiled something?

photo source: pixabay.com