WIREDGOV

Budding young chefs from Castlebrae Community High School have whisked their way to an event held in their honour at the Scottish Qualification Authority’s Dalkeith office.

The pupils had earlier designed and prepared a selection of mouth-watering canapés, which were enjoyed by attendees of the SQA Star Awards.

Sampling their creations at the glittering ceremony were hundreds of guests who had come together to celebrate achievements in Scottish education over the past year.

Amongst those impressed by the creativity of the dishes, which the students served during the drinks reception, was Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP.

At the SQA’s Edinburgh office the teenagers were thanked for their culinary contribution to the Star Awards by Chief Executive Janet Brown.

The pupils, who are working towards a Skills for Work Hospitality at National 4 award, also got the chance to pick up tips from SQA’s Executive Chef on how to manage a busy kitchen.

Janet Brown said: “To develop new recipes and cook them to such a high standard requires imagination and skill, which these pupils clearly have in abundance. Today was an opportunity to congratulate them for their achievement at the Star Awards and I’ve really enjoyed welcoming them to SQA’s Dalkeith office.”

Castlebrae hospitality student Declan Turner said of his SQA Star Awards experience: ‘It was amazing, a really great opportunity.”

Fellow pupil Charlie Reid added that she really enjoyed being part of such a big event. Rosie Ali, Curriculum Leader for Food Science at Castlebrae Community High School said: “The Star Awards were an absolutely phenomenal opportunity, it was wonderful for our students. It allowed them to put their Skills for Work course into practice. The praise they received has boosted their self-esteem and is has put a focus on the good work that we’re doing”

On the pupils’ visit to the SQA office, she said: “It’s been brilliant, just to see my students smile and be proud of their achievement. They keep excelling and they appreciate every opportunity that comes their way”

The pupils had another opportunity to show off their cooking skills when they served up canapés to SQA staff during their visit. Judging by how quickly they were eaten, there is a bright future in hospitality for any of the students who decide that’s the career for them.