Last Thursday, we had the pleasure (Mum and I) of taking The Cookie Project back to Cambridge Park Academy, where we first launched this special little initiative!
And since our last visit, their kitchens have had a bit of an upgrade… honestly, it genuinely felt like we’d walked into the GBBO tent. We got ourselves set up, were greeted with some very excited “hellos” from the students, and before we knew it, everyone was apron’d up in the brand new Cookie Project aprons, surrounded by shiny new equipment (thanks, Relo!) and ready to get baking.
Who got baking?
This workshop was with Lucy’s class of fab sixth form students, 7 in total, all with different strengths and learning styles, and it was genuinely SO lovely to see everyone getting involved in their own way.
They worked in pairs (and a little help from their teachers), helped each other out, and absolutely threw themselves into it… aprons on, sleeves up, and straight into the chocolate (exactly how it should be!).
"Sian and her mum are such wonderful individuals who have generously given their time, ingredients, and a glimpse into their secret recipe over the past four years, although we suspect a few top-secret cookie tricks are still safely under lock and key as anyone who has tried them will know they are THE BEST! We feel incredibly privileged that our students have had the opportunity to work with them through The Cookie Project, creating joy in the kitchen whilst learning valuable life and vocational skills.They are always incredibly patient, kind, and understanding of our students’ individual needs, helping everyone feel included, valued, and successful. Over the years, they have built such positive relationships with our students, and it is always such a pleasure to welcome them back.
The workshops are engaging, inclusive, and uplifting, and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to inspire their pupils, students, or individuals in a meaningful and hands-on way. It’s not often you come across businesses that are both willing and able to give back to the community in such a genuine and heartfelt way.
Thank you for everything you have done for us - we are truly grateful for your continued support and partnership.” - Lucy Barnes, Cambridge Park Academy
Triple chocolate teamwork
And because it wouldn’t be a Cookie Project session without something properly delicious, we went for triple chocolate cookies.
Over the 90-minute workshop, the students got to do the full works:
- making their cookie dough from scratch
- baking their cookies
- decorating them and adding their own little touches
The best part (besides cookies)
Once the cookies were baked and decorated, we all sat down for a little Q&A the students had planned, from what’s my favourite cookie flavour (insert flavour, of course) to the big one… ‘Why did you start The Cookie Project?’
I started The Cookie Project because baking has always been my happy place, but it’s also one of the easiest ways to bring people together. You don’t need to be ‘good’ at. it. You just need to have a go. You get stuck in, you try something new, you work as a team and before you know it, you’ve made something that feels like a proper achievement… with a very tasty reward at the end.
That’s what I love about these workshops, it’s not just Mum and me having the best time (although we really do) - it’s seeing the student get involved, grow in confidence and really get stuck in!
Want to find out more about The Cookie Project? Have a little read here.
Sian x
