cookery lessons in schools

[flaming]

I'm very keen on people at school receiving lessons in personal care skills, to prepare them for the time when they go out on their own.  I wonder if any cookery is taught nowadays?  What ought to be taught is the preparation of a number of simple, tasty and economical dishes, enough to get people started and perhaps  instil a curiosity and eagerness to take it further. It seems cruel to pitch people out with no knowledge of how best to survive, now that home/families are so fragmented.  A lot of time and heartache - and expense - could be saved!  What are ABers' experiences?  Were they taught anything to do with everyday personal care, including basic cookery?

[Jules001]

My son did cookery as a GCSE although it is now called Food Technology. Of all his lessons, very few were practical lessons, it was more theory and designing packaging /labelling etc. The few practicals he did he was able to choose a recipe and then he had to cook the same thing for about 3 weeks running by varying and adapting the recipe in some way. I agree that there should be more basic recipes etc taught as I don't think in all honesty my son could boil an egg!

[acw]

Why can't parents do it?  My Mum tried in vain to teach me to cook, but I was too lazy to show any interest.  I did, however, learn the proper way to clean the house and clothes, and do the ironing.  Just because people may live with a single parent and perhaps see the other at times doesn't mean they can't learn at home.  In fact if a single parent is already raising kids and coping with a job, teaching their older ones how to do the washing and cooking would pass on a life skill and ease the burden on them perhaps.  Stop expecting schools to do play such a non-academic role!!  Please!

[flaming]

I went to a grammar school in the 50s and yet we were still taught 'domestic science' and one could opt for it as a GCE subject.  There was a double period in the first year for basic sewing by hand. Girls streamed into one section of a year's  intake had a double period of other domestic chores, including the care of a new-born babe.  Each week in the cookery class we had to pay a small sum for the ingredients, but could take the product of our labours home for the family - and no picking at it on the way.  We only made simple things like an apple in pastry, sponge cakes and scones. I had to share in ALL the chores at home, and learnt that way; from what I learn from friends who are parents, youngsters don't do a hand's turn at home these days.  My mum worked full-time; she  needed help, rather than let me experiment.  So these basic things at school were very welcome to all.  Surely some other school study could be sacrificed, a subject that is not relevant in today's society, in favour of an hour or two devoted to teaching 'looking after oneself'?

[woofgang]

I was in grammar school in the sixties and did cookery o level. Have to say honestly that the stuff that I was taught to cook, I have never cooked since with the exception of victoria sponge which I already knew how to make. My Mum and Nan and Dad taught me basic cooking skills just by cooking themselves and letting me help. I learned to handle sharp knives, fry safely, dress a chicken, dress a crab or lobster, prepare vegetables make yorkshire puddings and do stews and roasts as well as the snacky things.AND how to wash up!!! I also learned what cut of meat to buy for what dish by shopping with my mum. Then because I had the basic skills, I could follow recipes. It sounds like really posh eating, but it wasn't. We have always loved seafood in my family and then if you bought a lobster at the local fish barrow, it wasn't expensive. I know it sounds very hovis advert but we weren't special or rich, both my parents worked and thursday night and friday were often what's in the cupboard meals because like most of my friends, my dad got paid on a thursday and Mum shopped on Friday. One tradition that I have recently revived is getting a big enough sunday joint for cold monday and hot tuesday, the cottage pie made with chopped leftovers is delicious!

[netibiza]

Yes flaming I was taught basic (and not so basic) cooking.  Also our school had it's own apartment where it was our turn once in a while to clean it, make the bed (obviously the teacher messed it up on purpose as no one actually slept there) we also had to plan a menu and cook it there.  Also taught how to hand wash esp baby clothes.  Yes all in all very complete domestic education.  This was back in the 1950's when everything was black and white.

[funkychicken]

3 years ago (the last time i was taught home economics) the only thing we did was learn how to make swiss roll and bolognese sauce (6 of us making 1 plateful) there was 4 different recipes between a class of 20-odd. at the secondary school my brother went to they taught both boys and girls how to iron, use a washing machine, cook, etc.

[shaneystar]

I went to grammar school in the sixties and we had Domestic Science which I took for O level and passed.It gave you the basics but they never actually showed you how to get a roast dinner on the table.It was more fiddling around making fairy cakes and soused herrings and how to serve a high tea etc.My poor Dad always had to eat my burnt offerings!
I do think youngsters need a basic grounding in cookery and household management but ,sadly,these days everything is focused on more academic subjects.Also more Mums go out to work these days and don't have the time to show their children how to do these things.I was lucky to have a Mum who taught me things like sewing,cooking and knitting and by watching her came to realise how to run a home.I have nothing against women who wish to pursue a career and some have to work wether they like it or not.I used to work myself when my kids were younger but it's a sad reflection of the society we live in today.We chase money and forget about the more important things.I have a twenty one year old niece who does not know how to sew a button on .Makes you think!

[flaming]

Thanks for all your thoughts.  I was thinking of young blokes on their own too.  Most of them, I said MOST, are excused from domestic chores even today.  It must come as something of a shock to find yourself facing things which someone else did for you at home.  If you are one, male or female, going to live alone for some years, it would perhaps help them to be able to have a fall-back few dishes, know a bit about budgeting and know how to prioritise chores.  Daughters pick up more hints, either voluntarily or not and are often called upon to manage when mum's ill or away.  My thoughts were for things like home-made soup, scrambled eggs, omelettes, baked potato in jacket, a kebab, use of microwave. If any cookery or domestic science is taught the time spent might as well be on things useful straightaway.  Here, 40% of people live alone.  No wonder the fast food  outlets do well!  I was heartened to see funkychicken's post.  He won't be floundering around getting frustrated, or spending a lot paying others for jobs he can do himself.  For myself, I could have done with a simple plumbing course!