STUDENTS at Mangotsfield School have been learning how to cook some of their favourite meals with healthy ingredients.
Charity CRuNCH teamed up with the secondary school to run a five-week course for Year 9 students, who learned how to cook meals including fajitas, burgers and pancakes, with parents invited in for the final session.
The idea of the new course, which was provided free to pupils, was to give them the ability to cook five simple and nourishing recipes before they leave home, and gain a basic understanding of eating for better physical and mental well-being.
CRuNCH is a relatively new charity that has just begun its work of encouraging young people to learn how to cook healthy meals.
After the successful trial at Mangotsfield, the charity now aims to offer the course to a selection of pupils receiving free school meals.
Founder Kate Percy, who delivered the course at Mangotsfield, said: “We were absolutely delighted to pilot our Cook5 with CRuNCH programme with the Year 9 students at Mangotsfield School.
“It was a real privilege to witness the group develop their cooking skills, grow in confidence and focus, and support each other as a team over the five week programme.
“We look forward to working with Mangotsfield next term, and to really embed the Cook5 concept into the school community.”
Many of the students who took part said they would try out the recipes again at home.
One said: “I did think at first I would not enjoy it but I have learnt to cook 5 different meals and have also had some fun. I will be cooking these meals again.”
Assistant head teacher James Gilpin said: “I was really excited for the students to be given this chance, and Kate and her team delivered some really engaging sessions.
“The student and parent feedback has been really positive and I look forward to working with Kate again in the new school year.”