Students learn from Michelin star chef

Pupils from Peterborough’s Nene Park Academy got to meetMichelin-starred chef, Alyn Williams, who joined students from across the Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) for their first Trust-wide Design and Technology event.

Each academy within the Trust was invited to access a unique event in which Alyn worked virtually alongside the students to cook together and explore the secrets of the food industry.

Alyn has worked in some of the greatest kitchens in the UK, training for many years under distinguished chefs such as Marcus Wareing and Gordan Ramsey.

This event was aimed at engaging students who have a genuine passion for the food industry.

In their academies, each group of students used the same ingredients and recipes provided by the Trust and followed the instructions of Alyn to create the tasty dishes together.

Due to ongoing Coronavirus restrictions, the exciting experience was delivered through a remote live connection, with students being challenged with a series of tasks and activities, giving them a whole day to expand their abilities and increase their confidence, nurturing life skills alongside a professional. Students were also given the opportunity to ask Alyn questions in a Q&A session.

Lee Mawby, Vice Principal at Ely College, a CMAT secondary school, was responsible for organising the day. He said: “After a tough start to the year for all students and their families, we are thrilled at the opportunity to host such an exciting event, which will inspire our talented students to explore a field they feel passionately about.

“Both remote learning and Covid-19 have made the world feel like a smaller place over night and this is something we can really take full advantage

of in education. With this in mind, we had been thinking about how we can maximise our student experiences as a Trust, particularly as they have been so limited for the last 18 months.

“Our students are very lucky to have this opportunity and it’s a testament to Alyn’s investment in the industry and his passion to bring young

talent forward. This is a first for us and we welcome the challenges that it brings and are excited to try a different approach.”

The Design and Technology event was a key part of CMAT’S first trust wide Activities Week, which also featured a CMAT’s Got Talent competition launched by Comedian, Bill Bailey.

Nene Park Academy pupils got to attend the event at Ely and meet Alyn Williams. Below treats cooked by Sawtry Village Academy pupils.