Mastering the Kitchen

Olivia Cruse

Teacher - Food Studies

Hey foodies - ever wondered what happens when students with a passion for cooking go head-to-head in a MasterChef competition? It's like a cooking showdown that turns our school’s Food Hub into a gourmet battlefield!

What sets these competitions apart is the creativity on display. Students draw inspiration from everywhere - mum’s secret recipes, favourite cooking shows, their own imaginations -  and aim to wow the judges with every bite.

JUNIOR MASTERCHEF

It's not just about cooking; it's about teamwork. BSC Junior MasterChef competition sees teams having to hustle and work together. They divvy up tasks, coordinate timings, and make sure their dish is as perfect as it can be. It's a lesson in cooperation and handling pressure that will serve them well in any kitchen setting.

The Junior Chefs had 90 minutes to cook, ensuring they used a minimum of three ingredients from their Mystery Box (orecchiette, rice, spinach, rhubarb, apple, canned cherry tomatoes, chicken tenders, coconut milk and dark chocolate). 

Our judges, Students Ms Tamara Ghazale (Junior School Leader), Ms Sally Goss (Assistant Principal) and Harry Lalor (Year 12) had the unenviable task of judging each dish with attention on presentation, taste and creativity. The results were: 

SENIOR MASTERCHEF

Senior MasterChef competition sees teams working together, drawing on their learned experience and backing themselves to produce their best.  Demonstrating confidence in their own ability and creativity, students challenge themselves to excel.

These competitions are about learning life skills—like time management, taking criticism like a champ, and staying cool under pressure. Plus, they bring the school community together, cheering on their classmates and celebrating the joys of good food and friendly competition.

Unlike the Junior competition the Senior students had no idea what was in their Mystery Box until they walked into the room and lifted the lid on their box. This year students had to use a minimum of three ingredients (orecchiette, wild rice, mascarpone, beef strips, dark chocolate, orange, zucchini, mushrooms, vanilla bean). 

sincere thanks to

Kirten Tibballs, the celebrity judge of the Senior Masterchef competition.

We had the great pleasure of welcoming Kirsten Tibballs from Savour Cooking School as our celebrity judge. Kirsten, is well known for her cooking show The Queen of Chocolate, appearances on Masterchef (Channel 10), and the renowned Savour Chocolate & Patisserie School located right here in the heart of Brunswick!  Kirsten not only brought her knowledge and experience to the Food Hub, she and Savour also provided fabulous prizes for our three teams of finalists. Along with Mr Taylor Roberts (Year 12 Coordinator) and  Isla MacClatchy (Year 10), Kirsten was tasked with assessing every dish delivered in the competition. Just like the junior students, the seniors were judged on their ability to display creative cooking techniques or flavour combinations, and of course the level of presentation and flavour.  The results were:

So there you have it— BSC MasterChef competitions aren’t just about cooking; they’re about passion, creativity, and building skills that last a lifetime.