All schoolchildren are to be offered cooking lessons - from baking cakes to making spaghetti bolognese.
Schoolchildren in England are to be offered cooking lessons - from baking cakes to making spaghetti bolognese.
It forms part of a government scheme to get children to improve both their diet and culinary skills, and will be formally launched on Monday.
It forms part of a government scheme to get children to improve both their diet and culinary skills, and will be formally launched on Monday.
Under the plan there will be 24 one- hour classes for 11 to 16-year-olds and once completed children will receive a "licence to cook" certificate.
Under the plan there will be 24 one- hour classes for 11 to 16-year-olds and once completed children will receive a "licence to cook" certificate.
The courses will not be compulsory, but from 2008 all schools must offer them.
The courses will not be compulsory, but from 2008 all schools must offer them.
A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "We want to see a resurgence in the art of cookery.
A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said: "We want to see a resurgence in the art of cookery.
"All kids will now get the chance to learn hands-on cookery."
"All kids will now get the chance to learn hands-on cookery."
Currently students may be taught some food skills during their Design and Technology (D&T) lessons, but they are usually theoretical and normally focus on health and safety.
Currently students may be taught some food skills during their Design and Technology (D&T) lessons, but they are usually theoretical and normally focus on health and safety.
The spokesman said: "Schools could have it as part of their D&T over the course of an academic year, or it could be done as an after-school club.
The spokesman said: "Schools could have it as part of their D&T over the course of an academic year, or it could be done as an after-school club.
"But what they will really have is life skills that will stand them in good stead for the future."
"But what they will really have is life skills that will stand them in good stead for the future."
What do you think of this government initiative? Will you be receiving these cooking lessons? Send us your comments.
What do you think of this government initiative? Will you be receiving these cooking lessons? Send us your comments.
