Breaking the ice by breaking bread together!

When it comes to building connections, there’s nothing like cooking and eating together – as sixth-formers from QE and from Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School proved.

The latest members of QE Together – the two schools’ joint community projects society – broke the ice with a cookery session in QE’s Food Technology room.

QE Flourish tutor and English teacher Elaine O’Donnell said: “Sharing food and conversation was a great new way for them to get to know each other ahead of a year of volunteering – and to develop some skills that will come in handy at university, too.”

Launched in 2021–2022, QE Together has seen senior pupils from the two schools collaborate on projects ranging from litter-picking, concerts for nursing home residents, and organising primary-school assemblies to working on a promotional video for an LGBT+ charity.

This year will see them again volunteering in care homes, primary schools and other community settings.

“The girls and our own sixth-formers are united by a commitment to making a positive difference in the local community,” said Ms O’Donnell.

“Through their joint experiences with QE Together, they will have opportunities to develop their teamwork, communication and leadership skills, while contributing to the wellbeing of others.”

The Year 12 students brought their own ingredients and then worked together to prepare cajun chicken pasta.

Hosting the session alongside Ms O’Donnell were Technology teacher Lauren Adams, Technology assistant Liberty Mitchell Brock and, visiting from the girls’ school, Head of Psychology Ms Maria St Ledger.