An inside-out cake depicting a woodland scene, complete with fondant creatures, flowers and foliage, nabbed the win for Grace College at the Great Schools’ Bake-Off which took place at The Quarry Centre over the weekend.
The winning “Showstopper” was created by a group of learners in grades 8, 9 and 10 at Grace College, under the guidance of two staff members. Having spent weeks preparing their masterpiece which was anchored in nature and featured many intricate elements, each talking to the idea of happiness, the learners were understandably ecstatic about the win, which nets R8,000 in prize money for their school, courtesy of The Quarry Centre.
Marketing manager of Grace College, Kevin Christie, said: “Our learners were excited that the cake received such a positive response from the judges and the general public. Our learners are already excited about the event next year and working on ideas for their next “Showstopper”.
“The prize money the school receives will be put towards a feature in our new classroom block that will benefit all of our current and future students,” he added.
Ten schools from Hilton, Howick and Pietermaritzburg competed in the first Great Schools’ Bake-Off, each interpreting the theme of “What makes you happy” in different, and equally creative ways. The fundraising event provided local schools with an opportunity to raise funds for their respective school in a fun and family-friendly setting, that saw everyone from the schools, including learners, parents and teachers, get involved.
In addition to an assortment of home-made cakes, brownies, biscuits, cupcakes and other delicious treats, each school presented a “Showstopper” which was judged by a panel of judges including Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine; Kershni Naidoo from Cakes by Kersh and former contestant on the Great South African Bake-Off; Shan Ford, owner of Cake Away cake shop at The Quarry Centre and The Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express.
“The Great Schools’ Bake-Off was such a fantastic morning,” said judge Jackie Cameron. “It was wonderful to see each school’s spirit and competitive flair.”
“Each “Showstopper” was unique and well thought out but Grace College’s cake stood out as it was made by the students themselves and we could see the youthful energy and creativity shining through,” said Cameron.
The public was also included in the judging process and encouraged to cast their vote for their favourite “Showstopper”. The judging was very close with high scores received across the board but it was Grace College, followed in close second by a three-tiered stunner from Seedlings Montessori and a whimsical, butter-cream delight made by the Grade 7’s from Laddsworth, that won the judges over in the end.
“The Quarry Centre was overwhelmed by the incredible effort and quality of baking presented by each school,” said organiser and Quarry Centre marketer, Nikki Downs. “Congratulations to all schools who participated and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm,” she said.
Pictured above, Judges (L-R): The Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express, Shan Ford, owner of Cake Away, Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine and Kershni Naidoo, owner of Cakes by Kersh and former contestant on the Great South African Bake-Off (2017) with the winning Showstopper created by learners at Grace College.
Pictured below clockwise from top L;
One: A three-tiered stunner created by one of the grandparents of a learner at Seedlings Montessori takes second place and is inspired by pictures drawn by the children of things that make them happy.
Two: Taking third place in the close-run "Showstopper" competition was a whimsical buttercream delight, based on friendship, created by the Grade 7's from Laddsworth Primary School.
Three: Judge Jackie Cameron assesses the masterpiece created by Cordwalles Prep, inspired by the school's colours and the Cordwalles rose, created in honour of the school's centenary.
Four: An incredible creation depicts a teddy bears picnic, created for Cowan House by a parent.
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