The weather however, was not really on the minds of the majority of our Year 12 (and a scattering of year 13) boarders this Saturday morning as they set off for their IELTS test day at Chaucer College Canterbury. Having been asked at least four times whether or not they had their passports, by each EAL teacher, before they boarded the bus, they settled themselves for a long morning.
Remarkably, considering that the result of this exam could go a long way to deciding their university choices, the atmosphere on the bus was relaxed. Feet were slightly less assured on alighting at Chaucer College though and with a last anxious look and a "Good luck" from Miss Dores and Mr K. they were ushered into the exam centre. After six months of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, it was now down to the next three hours or so...
Back in Alfred that afternoon, there was stress of a different kind - and no, it wasn't Mr K. watching the 6 Nations - as Shanahan, Claudia and Toby took control of the kitchen for an afternoon of culinary creativity. Very soon the air was full of the sounds, sights and smells that accompany an industrious kitchen. Vegetables were being chopped, mince mixed and rice steamed as tonight's dinner of sushi rolls, omelette and pork burgers took shape.
Pretty soon, plates were piled high with the various component parts and then the technicians got to work. Shanahan took charge of the omelette and burgers - moulding the mince mixture into perfect patties - and Toby and Claudia went to work on the sushi. Watching the girls at work was mesmerising. Each sheet of seaweed was placed on a bamboo roller and spread carefully with a layer of rice before the filling of sliced cucumber, avocado, egg and frankfurter sausage (?) was placed on top. The roller was then wound tight to create the roll, that was then chopped into two-inch thick rounds. It was with some regret that we had to go to dinner.
In the dining hall though, the first IELTS students were beginning to reappear from Canterbury with fantastic tales of random speaking topics, including "Do you prefer the sky at night or the sky in the day?" (sorry Zoe!). Farid and Petr were the first back (a historical event and toys respectively). Both boys seemed happy though as more were quizzed it turned out that the Reading had been particularly nasty. Stories ranged from relief to resignation and "I just had to guess." Jerry, Mark and Daria all gave detailed accounts, with mood being generally positive.
After delicious lamb and couscous in the dining hall (many thanks to the kitchen staff) it was back to Alfred. The room had now begun to fill up with expectant diners, as the pork burgers and omelette hit the pans, with Claudia taking time out from sushi rolling to turn the burgers. Kitty arrived and immediately set to the washing up (someone has to do it) and Janice went to great pains to explain that she needed to taste all the food first before it went out (we believe you, Janice!)
As AIB were allowed a sneak preview taste of all the goodies, tender, tasty burgers and the sensational sushi rolls, our minds were brought back to another of the speaking topic ummed about that evening. Calvin had been slightly put out by his: "Talk about a good cook that you know". He had seemed unsure of how to answer it initially. You need have looked no further than the Alfred kitchen my friend! Super work Shanahan, Toby and Claudia! Good luck on results day to all the IELTSers and bon appetit!
