UK Education News

“Cavendish College”, which started in September this year, seems to be a big hit with everyone: staff, children and parents.

Every Friday afternoon the pupils leave their classes and join their college group of mixed aged children taught by various members of staff.

Subjects studied at the College are:

Art

Food Technology

Gardening & Nature

Music

Textiles

All pupils have now done Module 1 of their first and second units—and have the certificates to prove it! They are now studying their 1st Module in their third subject.

Those pupils who are with us next year, (the current Year 5, 4 & 3) will study the subjects again but at Module 2 level, whereas the “new” Year 3s will begin with Module 1. So each time the pupils re-visit a subject their skill and knowledge level will rise.

Here’s a selection of comments by Year 6 pupils about the college:

“Just the right amount of time to learn new skills,” Jack.

“Good selection of things to do. And it helps the younger children get to know the teachers they have never worked with,” Harry.

“I like it because you get to make new friends in your group and work with different teachers,” Megan.

“It’s really enjoyable, I really like it and it’s better than normal lessons,” Billy.

“It finds you new interests and hobbies,” Cameron.

“It helps you find out what skills you are good at,” Kyle.

A group of pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe recently visited the brand new Manchester College to test out their fabulous state of the art cooking facilities.

The Year 10 GCSE Food and Nutrition pupils were delighted to have the opportunity to gain hands on experience and work in the college’s kitchens which mirror modern commercial facilities so they were able to get a true idea of what life as a chef would be like. The pupils prepared and cooked sizzling beef fajitas with spicy fresh salsa.

“The visit involved the school and college working together to develop and promote vocational skills,” explained Ms Jenny Hardy, Head of Food Technology at Saint Paul’s. “It aimed to encourage the school pupils to think about their future careers, as well as developing important life skills. It was an excellent opportunity for our pupils.”

Simon Connelly, Lecturer/Head Chef from Manchester College said: “The food was superb and enjoyed thoroughly by all. The pupils from Saint Paul’s have been a credit to both Manchester College and Saint Paul’s; they were all dedicated and showed a high standard of skills throughout the day.”

Leon Fishwick, one of the Year 10 pupils commented on the day: “This was great fun; I really enjoyed working in a real professional kitchen.”

“The event gave our pupils a real life insight into working in a professional kitchen environment,” commented Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “I was delighted with the enthusiasm spirit shown by our pupils who worked so well to produce food of a very high standard.”