The first door opens at Ysgol Preseli

After a busy start to the year my diary appeared to become empty!  Feeling slightly concerned I sat down with my book & pen and put my thoughts on paper how I could move forward.  Aware that I would have quiet times between workshops however I felt that I still needed to get myself out their and known.  After brainstorming and several cups of tea I decided to pop out into town to clear my head.  I returned home to my answer phone flashing, I pressed play and to my surprise I received a phone call from a teacher at Ysgol Preseli asking me if I could teach the students based around the Afternoon Tea exam they have.

I was exstatic!  This was one of the things that I had been working towards.  Within a day I had agreed a 4 week training schedule, two groups one of 12 students and one of 20, Each group had a two hour session on a Thursday starting the following week.  I arrived at School on the first week feeling a little nervous as not only was I in school teaching but also that I had to teach in Welsh,a challenge and a half as I have learnt Welsh but greeted by the lovely teacher Catherine Davies who welcomed me into class and made me feel part of the classroom straight away.

We started week 1 with Chocolate.  Each student made a batch of their own Chocolates and I shared my skills and experience of my training with them, trying to give as much knowledge as I could to help them with their own creations for the exam.  

On week 2 we made a range of Savoury scones and herb butters.  I also did a loose leaf tea tasting session this helping them understand the different flavours and the best suited to the Afternoon Tea delights.  I couldn't believe how they took such a huge interest in the loose leaf tea and it was clear that some of these students have never seen or even tasted tea.

Week 3 I based around the 'Classic' components of patisserie, creme patisserie, lemon curd, chocolate tarts and sweet pastry.  A hands on two hour session creating delicious tarts.

We arrived at week 4, making Cupcakes using skills taught in previous weeks and teaching them new ones, lots of different ideas of how to create something simple into something beautiful for that Afternoon Tea table!  Each week I provided recipe sheets for the students that they were able to use towards their coursework.  So even I had to do homework for the class each week!

For the whole four weeks I felt right at home and with all the hard work over the years I am very proud of been able to teach the students, I was able to walk away at the end of the 4 weeks knowing that I shared as much passion & skills that I could and that I had made a difference and hopefully inspiring others.

I do hope that this is the beginning of great things to come and will  continue to develop my skills & knowledge to be able to share with other students in the future.

My journey continues.....

Mandy x