The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston recently welcomed families into school for a free cooking lesson, designed to build confidence in the kitchen while developing valuable life skills.

The session offered 10 places to parents and students from Years 7 to 13, with each student attending alongside a family member. Working together, families prepared a dish to take home while learning a range of practical culinary techniques.

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the menu was based around Chinese-inspired dishes. Participants prepared marinated chicken with soy sauce, honey and garlic, and combined noodles, pak choi, and a selection of vegetables.

The lesson focused on essential kitchen skills, including chopping and knife techniques, hygiene, adapting recipes, budgeting for food, and creating high-flavour dishes.

Beyond cooking, the session also created an opportunity for families to connect and share experiences. Conversations centred on students’ learning in school, future aspirations, and how newly developed skills could be applied at home.

Lasting one hour and thirty minutes, the lesson concluded with each family leaving with a container filled with the meal they had prepared together.

Parent Lorraine Wildman Duckworth, who attended the event, shared: “It was a really enjoyable experience.”

Miss Katie Bell, head of design and technology at The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together, and it was fantastic to see families learning side-by-side. The session was not just about preparing a meal, but about building confidence, sharing skills, and showing how simple, affordable dishes can be recreated at home.”

Headteacher, Mr Gary Lloyd, added: “We were delighted to host this session and see families cooking, learning, and enjoying the experience together. It was a brilliant example of how schools can support practical life skills while building meaningful connections in our community.”

Later this year, the school will also be offering ‘sew and mend’ sessions, as well as basic woodwork skills lessons that families can use at home.