Beyond the Recipe

Maurits Devenish Private School hosted a Culinary Arts Day on 12 March 2025, highlighting the culinary prowess of the Grade 11 learners.
Jonelia van der Merwe and Saun Nchindo
  • 3 Days Ago
The Culinary Arts Day brought together teachers, classmates and food lovers to celebrate the learners' passion for culinary arts.

While each grade is scheduled to have its own Culinary Arts Day throughout the term, this particular event served as a focused showcase for the Grade 11 learners.

The Culinary Arts Day offered learners an important opportunity to relax and unwind while indulging their creativity in the kitchen. It is a unique event that fosters community spirit among learners and teachers alike, allowing participants to experience the joys of cooking together.



Learning through cooking

The day commenced with an engaging introduction to food safety, followed by discussions about what dishes they would like to prepare. Working in groups according to their classes, learners tackled simple yet delicious dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, chips and fruit salads.

Events like this can benefit learners across all grades by equipping them with essential cooking skills, allowing them to explore diverse cuisines, and teaching them how to create healthy and nutritious meals. Such experiences not only promote teamwork but also encourage creativity in the kitchen. For younger learners observing senior learners served as an inspiration that cooking is not just a task but a form of self-expression.

Maurits Devenish Private School’s marketing manager, Stella Sevelen, said that the learners poured their hearts into every dish, demonstrating that culinary skill is rooted in flavour and creativity.

The event not only empowered Grade 11 learners to consider careers in the culinary field but also sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for cooking among learners in all grades. The initiative serves as a catalyst for fostering a culture of excitement around food preparation within the entire school.

The Grade 11 learners collaborated to create appetising burgers complemented by crispy chips.

Simon Ashaanda shared, "The culinary event at our school was an exciting educational experience. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food, and I could see my classmates carefully preparing dishes with great focus!"

The Culinary Arts Day was a resounding success, providing Grade 11 learners a platform to showcase their culinary talents. However, the benefits of this initiative extend far beyond this one event. As the day concluded, it was evident that the excitement stirred among participants would resonate across all grades, kindling a passion for culinary arts and ensuring that each learner can look forward to their own culinary day with eagerness and anticipation.