Some of the passionate Toroa students participated in the High Tea (sandwiches first, then scones, and sweets last) Technology challenge with other 50 schools in the Canterbury region which was organized by Kaiapoi High school last week.

Toroa students were given yet another challenge to showcase their cooking and planning skills after the school hours. They had three teams made of four students each who participated in the High Tea challenge. Unfortunately they did not win any prize or position but the learning that happened with this window of opportunity will be remembered by these students for a long time to come.

The first round was a mystery challenge where all the teams had to make the same thing; this was a custard pie. For the second option they had to make a sandwich which could be of their choice; sweet or savoury. Finally, for the last item, the students could cook anything of their choice.

Students had been planning for this competition a week before and with the support of the teachers in the hub. The students took the initiative planning the content and staff also supported them arranging and organizing the ingredients. They were given three working kitchens at school where they used and shared resources. Students used all the four Marshland Mana values of Manaakitanga - Respect and Care, Ako - Learner, Ngātahi - Togetherness and Aumangea - Resilient.

At the end, after almost 2 hours, the students presented their dishes and used creative ways to showcase their talents. They also made a presentation of their cooking skills and shared it with the organizers. Students showed how they could use safety in the kitchen to prepare, cook and share food and use time efficiency to time clean up. Students also exhibited that they were resourceful and imaginative in providing a hygienic and safe kitchen area and kitchen equipment. These skills are life long skills and our students gave it a go and were proud of their achievement.