In Carolyn Amaral’s day, cooking was important.

High schools included classes as part of the curriculum and families made meals together.

“Take-out wasn’t really a thing back then,” said the 53-year-old. “We went out to eat maybe once a month.”

Cooking classes have fallen out of fashion in schools today, and many families don’t have the time to prepare meals together.

“I don’t know that schools need to bring back home economics,” she said. “But there is definitely a place for it in schools. Cooking is a necessary skill and we can’t take it for granted that students are learning at home.

“And there are health implications because, without cooking skills, people turn to unhealthy processed foods and obesity is on the rise.”

The English teacher at Somersfield Academy started The Write to Cook, a club for students last year.

Boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 15 learn how to slice and dice. They also vlog, take photographs and write restaurant reviews.

“I was looking for a fun way to encourage them to write,” said Mrs Amaral.

“I had one student who had never opened a can. And fresh garlic always amazes the group.”

She puts this down to the amount of pre-packaged food many families eat.

All 15 spots went in three seconds when the club resumed this term.

“I think it’s all the cooking programmes on the Food Network,” she said. “A lot of my students watch Chopped Jr.

“I was very surprised by the quick sign-up. It was kind of funny, actually.”

Josephine Duerden tried to join last year without success.

“I was so excited when I got in this time,” said the 12-year-old who was making ravioli using wonton wrappers when Lifestyle visited.

A handful of students select the recipes and take a lead role in the Wednesday class, while the others assist and eventually everyone gets a turn. Students are strongly encouraged to use fresh ingredients.

“If they want to make guacamole, they need to bring avocados,” Mrs Amaral said.

Tyler DoCouto, 14, was working on marinara sauce for Josephine’s ravioli.

Carefully watching a pot on the stove, he said: “It’s hard to know when to put in the sauce. I don’t want the garlic to burn.”

He started cooking with his mother, Roseann, when he was little.

“She is a very good cook,” he said. “One day I’d like to become a chef. It’s my dream job. I love making food for other people.”

Students have 45 minutes to complete their dishes. They then sit down and eat what they’ve made.

“I love getting involved with food,” said Grace Peterson, 13. “I love laying it all out at the end.”

Mrs Amaral often has to shoo away students lingering outside the door, hoping for leftovers.

“We rarely have anything left over. The children in the group love to eat. They are very enthusiastic.

“I’d like to say they’ve learnt to clean up well, but that would be a lie,” she laughed.

“I hope they learn a few tips and tricks about cooking. They also have to learn how to co-operate. And it is The Write to Cook, so they are then responsible for writing about why they chose the recipe.

“I want to put the connection between writing and cooking.”

The club meets in the school staff room. They only have one stove which, Mrs Amaral admitted, presents some challenges.

“The PTA are trying to raise money to improve our cooking facilities,” she said. “Not just for this club, but for other programmes we have.”

The students reviewed Divots, Pickled Onion and Victoria Grill last year. Harbourfront was a more recent visit.

“We come by invitation,” Mrs Amaral said. “We are always looking for new places to review. If anyone is interested in having The Write to Cook review your restaurant, contact me.”

See www.writetocook.com.