From Bronze to Gold: Why Our DofE Students Keep Coming Back to the Kitchen!
One of the loveliest things about running our DofE cookery courses at Egg & Soldiers is seeing familiar names pop up again and again!
Many of our students first join us when they're completing the Skills section of their Bronze DofE Award. Some are complete beginners, while others already enjoy spending time in the kitchen.
But what makes us particularly happy is just how many come back for Silver, and then again for Gold! It's lovely knowing that what started as a DofE Skills section has turned into something they genuinely enjoy and want to continue.
After all, DofE might be the reason they first start cooking, but the skills and confidence they gain can last a lifetime.
Bronze is just the beginning!
For many students, Bronze DofE is their first experience of cooking independently and following a structured cookery course.
Over the weeks, they learn to prepare a variety of dishes, try new ingredients and techniques, and hopefully discover that cooking is actually really enjoyable!
And sometimes, before they've even finished their first course, they're already thinking about the next one.
As one parent shared in her Google review:
"He already wants to sign up for another course!"
It's exactly the sort of feedback we love receiving. There's something really rewarding about knowing a student has enjoyed their experience enough to want to do it all over again.
Why stop at Bronze?
One of the things we love about DofE is that it encourages young people to develop their interests and challenge themselves.
When students move on to Silver or Gold, they have the opportunity to build on the skills they've already learnt rather than starting something completely new.
At Egg & Soldiers, we offer five different cookery courses, so returning students can enjoy a fresh selection of recipes, discover different flavours and continue expanding their cooking skills.
And we know this is something our students appreciate.
One of our students, who returned to us for Silver after completing Bronze, wrote:
"I've used this not only for my bronze but also my silver DofE. Great quality recipes and easy access."
New recipes, new challenges and growing confidence
Of course, there's more to returning than simply ticking off another DofE Skills section.
With each course, students have the opportunity to try new recipes, become more comfortable using different ingredients and techniques, and develop greater independence in the kitchen.
It's lovely seeing students who might once have needed a helping hand become increasingly confident preparing meals for themselves and their families.
And perhaps the best part is that the learning doesn't stop when the course ends.
Cooking skills that last beyond DofE
We often talk about cookery being a skill for life, and it really is.
Whether our students are preparing dinner for their family, cooking for friends, heading off to university or eventually setting up home, knowing how to prepare a good meal is something they'll always benefit from.
Along the way, they're also developing useful skills such as planning, organisation, time management and independence.
As one parent summed it up so nicely in their Google review:
"Well worth every penny for the enjoyment, life skills and confidence it has given her!"
For us, that's what makes teaching cookery so rewarding. We're helping students complete their DofE Awards, but we're also encouraging skills they'll take into adult life.
Here's to our returning cooks!
To all the students who have returned to cook with us, whether for Silver, Gold or simply because they love cooking — a huge thank you!
We love being part of your DofE journey, seeing the dishes you create and watching your confidence grow along the way.
And to those currently working towards Bronze and wondering what to do for Silver or Gold, remember that there's always something new to learn in the kitchen.
With five different Egg & Soldiers cookery courses to explore, your next cooking adventure could be just around the corner.
Because finishing your DofE cookery course doesn't have to mean hanging up your apron! Find out more about our DofE cookery courses at www.eggandsoldiers.co.uk.
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