DUKE OF EDINBURGH I SKILLS PROGRAM

Eat Well, Live Well is a practical, hands-on cooking program that helps young people build confidence, independence and essential life skills while completing the Skills section of their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Far beyond simply following recipes, participants learn how to plan, prepare and confidently cook nutritious, flavour-packed meals from scratch. Each session builds progressively, developing sound techniques, food knowledge and the ability to make informed choices in the kitchen and everyday life.

Throughout the program, participants develop skills in:

• Kitchen safety, organisation and knife techniques 
• Meal planning and time management 
• Cooking with vegetables, grains, legumes and proteins 
• Building flavour with stocks, sauces, herbs and spices 
• Roasting, one-pan cooking and batch preparation 
• Creating balanced, affordable meals 
• Shopping thoughtfully and working within a budget 
• Reducing food waste and using ingredients creatively 
• Adapting recipes for dietary requirements 
• Working independently and as part of a team 

Each participant works towards personal goals, records their progress and develops evidence suitable for their Duke of Edinburgh Skills logbook.

Extended programs may also include practical projects, holiday intensives and real-world food experiences.

Depending on availability, these can include:

• Visits to fresh-food markets and the Sydney Fish Market 
• Meeting growers, producers and food professionals 
• Behind-the-scenes visits to commercial kitchens and food businesses 
• Exploring seasonality, sustainability and responsible food sourcing 
• Pantry planning and household food-waste challenges 
• Budgeting and shopping for a balanced weekly menu 
• Community, wellbeing and food-culture activities 
• Coastal and nature-based learning around North Head 

These experiences allow participants to understand the complete journey of food—from where it comes from and how it is selected to how it can be prepared, shared and enjoyed.

The program can support participants completing:

• Bronze: minimum 13 logged Skills hours 
• Silver: minimum 26 logged Skills hours 
• Gold: minimum 52 logged Skills hours 

Programs can combine regular structured sessions with approved projects, excursions and holiday intensives. Final approval of activities and logged hours remains with the participant’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader.

Eat Well, Live Well is suitable for teenagers who want to:

• Complete their Duke of Edinburgh Skills section 
• Become more independent in the kitchen 
• Improve their cooking techniques 
• Develop healthier and more sustainable food habits 
• Gain confidence planning and preparing everyday meals 

No advanced cooking experience is required. Sessions are supportive, engaging and designed to challenge each participant at an appropriate level.

Sessions are held at Roving Larder Cooking School in the historic Barracks Precinct at North Head, Manly.

Talk to us about the right Bronze, Silver or Gold pathway for your young person or school group.