+ How long is the course?

Our Pre-uni Student Foodie Bootcamp is run over over a month long period from 7th August - 3rd September (inclusive).

VIP option includes:

• Additional bonus courses materials
• December mini course (available 10th December 2023)

+ WHY Join THE ORGANIC COOKERY SCHOOL's Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp?

We are passionate about food and have been teaching young people, children and families how to cook for over 18 years, through community based and home study cookery courses and workshops. We were the first cookery school in the UK to be approved by The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for our home study Street Food and Brilliant Baking skills courses, and have worked with students from over 700 UK schools and colleges. We love what we do and have students returning year after year to learn with us again. Whether a complete beginner or confident cook you will learn recipes and techniques which expand your skills and confidence cooking away from home.

+ CAN I COMPLETE THE COURSE WITH A FRIEND (IN THE SAME KITCHEN?)

Yes, you are very welcome to buddy up with a friend! When you enrol, we will send out a pre-course questionnaire (normally to the adult who purchased the course or the student if over 18) and in this we ask if you plan to complete the course with a friend. Working through the recipe options with a friend is a great idea, and often means you can save time (and money) on shopping and support each other.

+ HOW MUCH DOES THE COURSE COST?

The Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp costs £149 per student, which includes access to all materials for a whole year, plus online support from our experience tutors for the duration of the course.

We send all UK based students a welcome kit which includes a selection of Fairtrade and Organic Spices, stock and pastes (perfect to take away to University).

+ DO I NEED LOTS OF FANCY COOKERY EQUIPMENT?

Our Student Foodie recipes are devised to required very basic cookery kit, such as you would find or be able to store at Uni. You will receive a full equipment list before you start the bootcamp, which is broken down recipe by recipe.

+ DO I NEED TO BUY ORGANIC INGREDIENTS?

Our Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp will develop your cookery skills, and kitchen know-how (not your shopping preferences). You are welcome to buy whichever ingredients suit your personal student budget. You will notice that we choose organic, fair-trade and seasonal ingredients whenever we can, and we are happy to share why we might prioritise organic or non-organic for certain foods over others, with those who wish to find out more. Our experience is that many students who choose to learn to cook with us prefer to minimise non-organic residues in their food, and the best way to have a control over what’s in your food is, of course, to cook it from scratch wherever possible.

+ IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR SPECIAL DIETS?

The Organic Cookery School’s Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp features meat, fish and plant-based recipes. Whenever we feature a meat or fish dish, we always suggest a vegetarian alternative or adaptation. We will also support you to adapt recipes to avoid major allergens, wherever possible, and to adapt to Kosher or Halal principles. If you follow a special diet we suggest you request a copy of our recipe list by email (courses@organiccookeryschool.org) in advance of purchase, and talk to us about any particular needs you have. The course contains a wide range of recipe options, so there is plenty of choice for participants with specific dietary needs.

+ WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET BEHIND OR MISS OUT SOME RECIPES?

Over the duration of the course, you will have the opportunity to cook over 20 recipes, and develop a wide range of cooking skills. We don't expect every recipe to appeal to every student, but suggest you aim to cook at least three recipes per week over the four week duration of the course to really embed your cooking skills. The Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp is meant to be fun and relaxed, and to fit around your life and Summer holiday plans, so please don’t worry if illness, or other unexpected interruptions mean you miss a couple of recipes out. We hope you will return to these recipes time and time again.

+ IS THERE ANY SUPPORT FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES?

Over 70% of the cookery classes we run in the community are offered free of charge or with a large subsidy to vulnerable children, families and young people. We work with schools, children’s centres and community support organisations to ensure those who would most benefit from these subsidised classes are able to access them. Every purchase of an Organic Cookery School Student Foodie Summer Bootcamp goes towards supporting these community initiatives. We have a small bursary fund to support students from lower income families (eg those who were eligible for free school meals during the 2021/2022 academic year). Please email courses@organiccookeryschool.org if you would like to find out more.

+ CAN YOU DO THIS COURSE IF YOU AREN’T going to university?

We have had lots of enquiries from parents wishing to buy this course for their sons or daughters who aren't going to university, are still at school or have embarked on an apprenticeship. Whilst some of the materials are geared towards the challenges of cooking as a student, the recipes, kitchen and budgeting skills are extremely useful to any young person or home leaver. We currently welcome pupils in Years 12 and 13 (16+) or young people under the age of 22 wishing to develop their kitchen skills.