The Food is Fun Programme

We are proud to introduce our exciting Food Technology programme devised by Masterchef Peter Gorton in association with Castles Kitchens. Peter is the Michelin-starred head chef/proprietor of “The Horn of Plenty” near Tavistock. He is the Vice-President of the Masterchefs of Great Britain and was awarded a Michelin Star for 9 straight years.

Our “FOOD IS FUN” programme has been developed to help schools deliver elements of Food Technology and to promote healthy eating. We believe that in addition to children learning about balanced diets and the mechanics of food we must also communicate the fun of cooking and being able to produce healthy food that is good to eat.

Our “travelling kitchen” was designed and built by Castles Kitchens in Plymouth, and is available for full-day or half-day events throughout Devon and Cornwall. These demonstrations will focus on the “fun of cooking” and “how to produce healthy food that is good to eat”.

Key Stages 1 & 2 (Infants and Juniors ages 5-11) - “How food can be fun and healthy”
Short, 30 minute hands-on demonstrations for each class focusing on the “interesting” elements to food (funny looking fish, fruits etc). Includes simple food preparation with the children, such as making bread or cakes. Recipe cards will be given to each child.

Key Stage 3 (Secondary students ages 11-14) – “Cooking techniques”
Short, 45 minute hands-on demonstrations for each class focusing on cooking techniques, healthy eating and methods. Includes more advanced food preparation with the students, such as creating savoury dishes, desserts etc.

Key Stage 4 (Secondary students ages 14-16+) – “Survival cooking”
Two hour cooking demonstrations, focusing on what to cook as a young adult – particularly when leaving home for work or further education. How to have fun while surviving in the big wide world. Includes questions and answer sessions with students and tasting sessions.

Lunchboxes – “Healthy and Practical”
A half-day interactive session which can be aimed at both children and parents. Giving tips on how to cost-effectively and practically create a range of foods for school children's lunchboxes. Chef's tips for the parents, and samples for the children - with the aim of encouraging them to try something new.

The “FOOD IS FUN” programme is available now throughout the South West, having been piloted at schools in Plymouth. This webpage outlines the general offering, however individual events can be tailored to your school’s needs. Events can be held on a morning or afternoon, whole day or over a range of days to suit, depending on availability.

Standard pricing:

Half Day - £300 plus VAT
Full Day - £500 plus VAT
Travel costs outside Devon/Cornwall extra

We will bring our own kitchen, cooking equipment, ingredients and food. All you will need to provide is a suitable demonstration area and two 13-amp electrical supplies (and the students!).

A typical full day would be able to present up to six individual demonstrations, each lasting 20-30 minutes for a class of 30 pupils or longer demonstrations for a larger number of children. We therefore estimate being able to address at least 200 pupils in a full day, giving an approximate cost per pupil of £2.50. We can also tailor the specific offering to your school’s needs. The prices include the full cost of food and a recipe card or quiz for each pupil to take home.

The “FOOD IS FUN” programme in Plymouth has been kindly supported by Sainsbury, Tesco and Waitrose