The Great Claremont Bake Off 

Mixing bowls and spoons at the ready… Claremont students cook up a storm!  

Something smells good over in the Technology Block… Could it be scones or cookies? The answer is: both. They’re the work of the Baking Club, which meets every Thursday after school.   

According to Ms Kandaiah, who runs the club: ‘The main aim is to build a community where members can explore baking as both an art and a skill. We focus on learning together, experimenting with different styles and ingredients, and supporting one another in improving our baking confidence.’  

Coming up on the menu are cheesecakes and lots of savoury bakes, including mini quiches, pizza and samosas. Yum!  

‘My favourite baked goody has to be blossom flower cookies,’ says Year 8 club member, Kiya Patel. ‘They were nice and easy to make and colourful, with a lovely taste! The most challenging to bake, so far, has to be the scones. We had to develop our skills in mixing flour and butter.’ For fellow club member, Izzy Zscherpel, also in Year 8, her favourite bake were the cheesecakes: ‘They were very nice - not too sweet.’  

Baking is something Ms Kandaiah is clearly very passionate about: ‘I’ve always loved the way baking brings people together. I’m a wedding cake designer, so baking has been an integral part of my own culinary journey. Whether it’s trying out new recipes, learning new techniques, or simply enjoying it - and of course eating - baking creates a warm and welcoming space for creativity. I wanted to share that with students who feel the same, or who are curious to find out more.’   

Members of the Baking Club will get a recipe book at the end of the term plus a certificate of participation. For Kiya, it’s been a very rewarding experience: ‘I joined the club to gain a new skill in life and to have fun. I’ve most enjoyed having to make things I’ve never made before.’ Izzy’s most enjoyed ‘putting together the dishes and decorating them’.  

‘Ultimately, the aim of the Baking Club is not only to have a relaxed and fun environment,’ says Ms Kandaiah, ‘but the hope that participants come away with new recipes and techniques and a sense of accomplishment, teamwork and friendship. Most of all, I hope the club inspires everyone to keep baking and sharing!’