Leading on a tasty task at Teesside University

Teesside University students devised a recipe for success during a teambuilding task with a difference in professional kitchens.

The FdA Leadership and Management students were challenged to plan and cook a three-course meal from scratch in the professional kitchens at Darlington College. An array of ingredients were unveiled to the students, who had to then work in teams to plan and prepare each course.

Among students taking part was Jacci Martin, of Yarm, who works as a deputy matron with Silk Healthcare. She said: 'It was a bit of a surprise for us when we were given this challenge, especially as I don’t really cook that much.

'We were presented with a range of vegetables and meat and divided ourselves into teams of three. We worked out who would do the main, the starter and the dessert.'

She added: 'The team-building exercise was a great idea, as it provided an opportunity to put what we’ve learned so far into practice by working as a team.

'I wanted to do the leadership and management course for my career, as it will help me to develop professionally, while also learning new skills.'

Simon Gould, of Whitley Bay, works as operations manager for Mactech. He said: 'I'm at a level where many of my peers have degrees and I wanted to work towards this qualification too for my own personal and professional development.

'I'm looking forward to studying part-time over the next two years and progressing on to the degree.”

He added: 'I was pleasantly surprised by the challenge, as we did anticipate something more physical or academic. It provided a great opportunity to work together as a team.'

Alastair Thomson, Dean of Teesside University Business School, said: 'This is one part of a vast range of different challenges and innovative teaching techniques which we use in the delivery of our academic programmes.

'All of our programmes are continually being developed to make sure we provide a learning experience of the highest quality. I’m delighted our students gained so much from the challenge we organised, working in partnership with Darlington College.'

Tim Grant, Darlington College principal, said: 'We were delighted to be able to offer use of our professional kitchen facilities to the students embarking on the FdA Leadership and Management, working in partnership with Teesside University.'

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