Leiths School of Food and Wine is one of the most prestigious and respected cookery schools in the country. We are delighted to be able to offer to our Sixth Form students the opportunity to study the Leiths Introductory Certificate in Food and Wine. This five term course is designed for the interested amateur cook and the potential professional chef. Students are shown a wide range of professional practical cooking methods and taught the associated theory. The primary aim is to provide them with a vital life skill for independent living which could also open up areas of possible employment. Students gain the confidence to become proficient in family cooking and entertaining, learn to interpret and follow recipes, manage time efficiently and work in an organised manner.
Leiths Certificate in Food and Wine
Students are encouraged to cook and experience a range of ingredients and explore different cooking techniques to produce dishes that have a modern twist. The principal techniques and methods covered include knife skills, meat and vegetable preparation, jointing poultry, filleting fish, roasting, stewing, marinating, steaming, batters, the making of classic sauces, pasta and rice dishes, the use of gelatine, caramel, mousses, ice creams, meringues, tarts, bread, various pastries and cakes as well as decorating and icing skills.
In addition, students complete a menu planning exercise, follow healthy eating guidelines, develop an awareness of what to look for when buying ingredients and learn the basic theoretical principles associated with the cooking techniques.
At the end of the course, the students take a practical and theory examination set by Leiths and successful candidates are awarded a graded Leiths Certificate in Food and Wine. Students also complete a Level 2 Food Safety Award which along with the Certificate can be used to find employment in a variety of family level cooking jobs, through the agency, ‘Leiths List’. Should they decide to take up cooking professionally they would be eligible for the Two Term Diploma at Leiths School of Food and Wine which could open doors to a wide range of opportunities within the industry.
Extra-Curricular Activity
Tasting and Pairing Wine with Food
The Upper Sixth Leiths students spend time with a Master of Wine, tasting various wines and learning how to select the most appropriate ones to complement different ingredients and dishes. They learn how wine is made and what factors determine styles and characteristics.
The students are shown how to interpret the information on the bottle label and how to store and serve wine at its best. Foods representing the core tasting elements such as saltiness, sweetness, acidity and bitterness are paired in complementary and contrasting ways with various wines. This experience develops their appreciation of wine styles and qualities, which could prove useful in any dining situation.