Cookery students showed off all they had learned at a Buffet Party held for staff and parents last week. The students 
are working towards their Leiths Basic Skills Certificate in Food and Wine, a professional certificate which is awarded by Leiths in London.
The buffet was part of the Leiths curriculum and gave students the experience of catering for slightly larger numbers whilst also giving them the opportunity to show off a bit!
On the menu was Roast Beef with a Tarragon Mayonnaise, Salmon with Dill & White Wine Sauce, Risotto with Herbs & Parmesan, Chicken with Basil, Peppers, Garlic & Onion accompanied by Roast New Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic, Greek Salad and Mixed Leaves with Avocado, Courgette, Beetroot & Peppers followed by Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Brownies and a Strawberry, Raspberry & Blueberry Salad.
The meal was prepared by 14 pupils who finish their course this year. In total there are currently a good number of pupils from the Lower and Upper Sixth Form working towards the qualification which is organised through a limited franchise.
Dean Close is the only school in Cheltenham able to offer the Leiths Certificate.
The course runs over five terms, providing valuable skills and knowledge to enable budding young chefs to cook for 
any occasion and any number of people.
As well as cooking, the students also spend time with a Master of Wine, tasting various wines and learning how to select wines to compliment different foods and recipes.
Head of Leiths (and recent Masterchef contestant), Nicky Souter, said: “The course provides all the basic skills required to be a competent chef, with a mixture of modern and traditional cuisine.
The students have worked really hard, they are a very capable bunch. Some had not done any cooking before and they have learnt a huge amount.”
Due to the huge demand for this course, the School is currently running 3 courses with 24 students taking part.