Figure 1.--.
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Figure 1.--. |
Cookery used to be an activity primarily for girls. It was no normally offered at most boys' schools. There still is notable gender differences with activities and sports at most prep schools. Cookery is not one of these. Boys at most schools have demonstrated an interest in cookery when offered. I am not sure precisely why this is. I think most see cooking as a fun activity. I suspect that given limitations on snacking at boarding schools, the opportunity to cook up a sweet treat is an enducement. I don't think the boys have thought this threw, but the fact that young adults usually live alone for a few years as bachelors means that cooking skills are very valuable. Not to mention that modern women expect their new husbands to lend a hand in the kitchen.
Since half-term, Cookery has replaced Archery because of the weather conditions and the insufficient daylight. Most of the archers have joined and enjoy mixing the ingredients and cracking the eggs, sometimes on the table when the shells land safely in the bowl! The children are eating the biscuits, or whatever has been achieved, before prep. starts. The group has been split into two sections,: on one side the majority of the boys who are doing pretty well, and on the other side the girls who have to take care to get as good results as the boys!
M.J.F., "Harecroft Hall Newsletter", December 1988.
