'Come Dine With Me'

Pupils at a York primary school took a culinary world tour when they took part in a ‘Come Dine with Me’ event at York College.

Six first year Educational Studies undergraduates from the University of York organised the event for year 6 pupils from St Lawrence’s CE Primary School, with the support of York Marriott Hotel and York College. They spent four weeks working with the school pupils on this curriculum-linked volunteering project organised by the University’s Community and Volunteering Unit and Department of Educational Studies which involves children preparing a range of dishes from around the world.

Kate Harper, of the Community and Volunteering Unit, who helped to organise the event said: "We hope that ‘Come Dine With Me’ will broaden the horizons of the kids taking part in a whole range of ways. Our students have enjoyed every minute of working with them."

Year 6 teacher at St Lawrence’s, Rachel Colbourn, said: "The project has been a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to work alongside students from the University of York. They have been working hard to produce a presentation which promotes a country of their choice, and are fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside chefs from the Marriott Hotel."

Chris Convery, of Marriott Hotels, added: "We have really enjoyed working with the Children from St Lawrence’s School and this highlights the importance of our spirit to serve the community. Hopefully we have inspired some of the children to be chefs in the future!"

Claire Baxter, of the Business Development Unit at York College, said: "We were really excited to host this brilliant event, it was a great example of partnership across York’s education and business sectors."

The project was part of the wider York Cares Kids’ College, which aims to link real life with learning to help disadvantaged children raise their academic attainment, and to provide them with opportunities to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.

Press Release: 29/06/10