The Rossall Kitchen at Rossall School was officially opened by Edwin J Booth, head of Booths supermarkets, who recalled the fabulous teas that were served at Rossall when he played rugby against the school as a student at Oundle School.
The new kitchen has been created to help students in years seven to nine develop their Food Studies skills as part of the new Senior School curriculum.
Pupils sing food-related songs to guests at the opening
Pupils will use the facilities to learn practical cookery skills and build an understanding of the provenance, seasonality and nutritional value of food. It’s hoped the subject will eventually become an examined GCSE and Sixth Form option at Rossall.
As well as timetabled Food Studies, the new kitchen is also being used for after school cookery clubs, and it’s hoped the space will become a leading venue for cookery courses and demonstration events in the Fylde area.
The Rossall Kitchen provides a ‘cookery theatre’ area for the teacher to carry out demonstrations. The integration of a digital projector and camera above the demonstration area means large audiences can see preparation work being carried out clearly. Around the edge of the room, cooking bays are set out for the pupils to work individually or collaboratively to recreate dishes.
Elaine Purves, Head of Rossall School, said: “The Rossall Kitchen is a fantastic new learning space and will have a positive impact on the students’ abilities as cooks as well as helping to expand their knowledge of food provenance and nutrition.
“We also aim to use the space to host cookery events for staff, parents and the wider community and hope to attract some interesting and exciting partners to work with us on this venture.”
