For most of WAB's Grade 12 students, the conclusion of the IB Diploma and high school exams brought relief. However, one intrepid (and hungry) group of 20 students faced one of their most challenging learning experiences yet: a full day of cooking class with Faye Cowin, one of WAB's veteran teachers and most respected culinary artists.

Two days before graduation, Faye, who coordinates WAB's World of Work program for High School students, took the group of 20 independents-to-be under her chef's wing and taught them something the most difficult Physics or Calculus lesson couldn't: how to look up from a recipe and just cook.

Faye explained, "We focused on learning to cook easy, economical and edible meals that will come in handy for life away from home. The morning started with preparing a selection of breakfast items--French toast, Eggs Benedict and muffins--followed by creating a selection of main meal dishes--vegetable soup, roasted chicken (3 different ways), green salad, pasta salad, macaroni cheese, tomato sauce, fresh fruit salad and chocolate mud cake."

After making (and eating!) a total of 13 dishes, many of the students were ready for a nap. But Faye, feeling well nourished and satisfied with the students' learning, passed out a fresh round of clean chopping blocks for the preparation of what she called "nibble type food," which included guacamole, sun-dried tomato/cream cheese and garlic dip and nachos.

"It was a great day and one we will certainly repeat next year!" said Faye.