Global Connections - Authentic Brief

Kiwi Chef, Dean Brettschneider Visits WBHS

Dean Brettschneider is a Kiwi, a global-based professional baker and patissier with an international following. He is the author of 13 cookbooks and has multiple TV shows. After completing his apprenticeship in New Zealand, he worked in the US, Britain, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, gaining experience in all areas of the baking world. Although, Dean lives is Copenhagen he has food outlets around the World.

This year I invited Dean to visit my year 13 students at School. For the topic of Culinology students needed to demonstrate their understanding of the 3 core aspects of food technology, food science and culinary arts. Dean provided the students with a brief to develop an innovative pizza for his pizzeria The Plank. This provided an authentic and real context for students. Not only did the students gain a good understanding of complex techniques involved in making the sour dough pizza base but they also gained knowledge and skills to develop an innovative topping. Dean visited our students on 25th Feb and mentored the 50 students and judged the pizza's created for the Pizzalicious brief. All our year 13 students had outstanding results, however, the group that won the challenge were Ryan Black, Jordan Morris and Trent Maxted. They created a Spicy Venison Pepperoni and Blue Vein Cheese Pizza. The student enthusiasm and participation was commendable.

Dean’s official website: http://www.globalbaker.com/index.htm

@rsehji