The Chefs’ Forum Academy Maintains College, Student and Supplier Engagement During Covid-19 lockdown
The Chefs’ Forum has successfully rolled-out five Academies in leading catering colleges across the UK.
In normal times, top chefs and front of house professionals visit students in their usual teaching environment to deliver guest lectures to enrich their learning.
The inspirational sessions take place on a weekly basis and are running in West London College, The Manchester College, Coleg Gwent, Gloucestershire College and two further colleges set to launch this September, Bath College and Pembrokeshire College.
Many of the colleges have been in touch to discuss methods and best practice for maintaining student engagement whilst lessons are being taught remotely.
The Chefs’ Forum Academy has launched a brand-new YouTube channel with recipe film contributions by chefs from across the UK. The channel features recipes filmed live in chefs’ kitchens and have been kindly submitted with the sole aim of engaging students and inspiring them to cook simple recipes at home. Any chefs wishing to submit a film please email alexandra@redcherry.uk.com
The Chefs’ Forum is also working with its suppliers to help stage Zoom Cook-along events like the forthcoming vegan Nutcellars macadamia nut cheese with Instagram Influencer chef, Bettina Campolucci Bordi, coming up on Wednesday 20th May at 2pm, click here for more information.
Elizabeth Peters, Assistant Principal, Service and Retail Industries at The Manchester College said
“We’re in constant talks on how to motivate and inspire our students whilst they are learning remotely at this difficult time. Resources like The Chefs’ Forum Weekly Chefs’ Quiz and recipe channel are extremely valuable to us, as they maintain our links with industry to come back even stronger once we are able to invite students and chefs back into the college for the new normal.”
Denise Charles, Head of Curriculum, Service Industries at Hammersmith & Fulham College said
“We have added The Chefs’ Forum Academy chef quizzes and links to our online learning platform. I personally participate in the Chefs’ Quiz each week to maintain contact with chefs who come into the college to teach. It was great to see our guest teaching chefs Michael Dutnall MCA from the RAF Club, Soham Sonawane from The Dorchester, Chanaka Fernando from Buddha Bar and Connor McAlpine of Marcus Waring Restaurants, who gave a Front of House Masterclass. My teaching staff and students will be participating in this Monday’s quiz and are very much looking forward to it.”
As a result of last week’s quiz, TV Chef Scott Goss of Verdigris in Tonbridge offered to join The Chefs’ Forum Academy and teach at West London College. Denise was absolutely delighted with this offer and is looking forward to welcoming him to the college when face to face teaching resumes.
Any chefs, suppliers or colleges wishing to participate in this Monday’s quiz, 4th May at 2pm to be hosted by Richard Davies, Executive Chef of Calcot & Spa and Bettina Campolucci Bordi should contact Alexandra Duncan via email: alexandra@redcherry.uk.com
