Christianburg-Wismar Secondary School has emerged as the winner of EdYou-FM’s first-ever inter-school baking competition, “What’s in the Oven,” narrowly edging out West Demerara Secondary in a tense final.
The event, part of the Ministry of Education’s Education Month celebrations, showcased creativity, technical skill, and teamwork while encouraging students to explore careers in food and hospitality.
The 90-minute finals challenged teams to prepare two filled tarts, including a surprise twist: the second tart had to be made without processed sugar.
Each team drew a mystery sweetener from sealed containers—Christianburg-Wismar selected maple syrup, while West Demerara chose honey—forcing the students to adapt their recipes on the spot.
Both teams faced significant challenges. Christianburg-Wismar had to swap mango for cherries when the latter were unavailable and hurriedly moved their pastries to another oven when theirs suddenly switched off. West Demerara struggled with a looser-than-expected honey jam.
Despite these setbacks, students demonstrated resilience, creativity, and strong teamwork.
Judging the competition were representatives from the Carnegie School of Home Economics, including Principal Dr. Sharmaine Marshall, and pastry chef Ferrant Maxwell.
Dr. Marshall said, “The students displayed resilience, creativity, and team spirit under pressure, and we are very proud of their efforts.”
Chef Maxwell added, “Both schools showed amazing innovation and problem-solving. With a little refinement, these students have a bright future in culinary arts.”
Scores were based on presentation, texture, flavour, and technical execution using a CSEC-style rubric. Christianburg-Wismar ultimately scored 36 points, narrowly defeating West Demerara’s 34, and became the first-ever champions of the competition.
EdYou-FM and the Ministry of Education hailed the event as a resounding success, pledging to continue creating opportunities for students to showcase talent, foster creativity, and explore career pathways in the culinary arts.
