Clay’s Anatomy

19 Sep, 2024 | Events, Feature

Purposeful Passionate Pottery

At the start of the new Academic Year, 20 of our Scholars kicked off by gathering at the Potters’ Guilt, a charming studio, to participate in Clay’s Anatomy, organised by the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio to introduce scholars to the world of ceramics and teach us the foundational techniques.

The workshop was led by the studio’s resident potters, whose expertise and down-to-earth demeanour created a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Their love of pottery was evident to see and their enthusiasm was infectious. Their warm and approachable attitude instantly put the participants at ease.

The session began with a brief yet insightful introduction to the process of creating ceramics, from shaping the raw clay to firing it in the kiln. The potters also walked the students through the different methods to shape the clay and the glazes used. They were introduced to key techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab building, which would form the foundation of their creations.

The potters encouraged exploring the different methods, feeling the clay’s texture and understanding how each technique shaped its form. Each participant was handed a ball of clay, and just like that, our Scholars were on their way to becoming sculptors.

As the clay was pinched, rolled and patted into shape, the instructors went around to check in with everyone. The instructors were incredibly attentive and supportive throughout the entire workshop. They guided us step by step, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable with the techniques. They offered helpful tips and personalized feedback and their encouraging and hands-on approach created an atmosphere where mistakes were seen as part of the learning process, allowing the Scholars to explore their creativity with confidence.

As the workshop drew to a close, we looked around and admired each other’s creations. There was a shared sense of accomplishment in the studio as we cleaned up, knowing that soon we would hold the results of our hard work in our hands—functional art, made from scratch.

A big thank you to the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio for organizing this wonderful event, and to Potters’ Guilt for not only hosting us but for sharing their expertise and passion with such warmth. It was a memorable experience that left us all eager to create more!

Masterchef Yang ’24

25 Apr, 2024 | Events, Feature

Learning from the Pros

On a rainy Thursday evening, 16 students gathered at the REFresh kitchen to participate in Masterchef Yang, organised by the 16th MC Holistic Development Portfolio to teach fellow scholars to learn to cook.

Helmed by Chef Tim, the participants were whisked away on a gastronomic journey. Chef Tim, the head chef and co-founder of In Bad Company, is an extraordinary cook who never ceases to amaze. He created a welcoming atmosphere and was able to build rapport with our scholars despite the short time. From the moment he greeted the attendees, it was evident that we were in for a class like no other. Chef Tim’s passion for cooking was infectious, printing out a recipe for every participant. With their recipes in hand, everyone watched in awe as he brought the words on the page to life. It’s this clear passion that he generously shared with every participant that made everyone feel like a chef in their own right.

First on the menu was the White Button and Porcini Mushroom Soup,.Chef Tim led everyone in the culinary arts, starting off with the basics of how to handle a knife safely. With that he shared his secrets on selecting the type of mushrooms best suited for different dishes, turning ordinary ingredients into a soup that could easily steal the spotlight of any fine dining restaurant.

The culinary journey did not stop there. Next was the Tiger Prawn Linguine Aglio Olio, a dish that was both delectable and easy to make. Chef Tim led the participants in frying the ingredients, bringing out the flavours of the aromatics, garlic and white onion, before deglazing the pan and adding prawns. With a whoosh of smoke, he brought out the delicate aromas, balanced with the robustness of the tiger prawns. All of that intertwined perfectly into a delicious linguine.

What distinguished this event from others was not solely the refined dishes, but the comprehensive experience curated by the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio. Under Chef Tim’s tutelage, the session was an avenue for imparting pivotal culinary basics and competencies. He illuminated the versatility of the skills acquired, demonstrating how staple ingredients like garlic and onions could elevate the most unassuming of dishes. He encouraged exploratory cooking, elucidating the principles behind various techniques and advocating for experimentation. His vigilance was unwavering as he monitored each duo, ensuring culinary success while fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment and discovery. It was an embodiment of creativity, practicality, and delight.

As the event came to a close, we celebrated the success we had with our dishes, going around to try what others had prepared and see the differences we had as we experimented with the dishes. Chef Tim, with his unparalleled energy and passion, encouraged us to experiment more during our free time as we learned these basic skills.

To those who attended, Masterchef Yang was an unforgettable experience. To those who crashed the event, we hope that you had fun going around tasting the food of our Masterchefs and getting to see Chef Tim in action. As we bid adieu to this chapter, we carry with us not just the recipes, but the memories, the laughter, and the newfound confidence to explore the boundless possibilities that lie within a pinch of salt and a dash of imagination.

Lastly, a huge thanks to the 16MC Holistic Development Portfolio for organising this event and Chef Tim for coming down to share his knowledge with us. Bon appétit!