Any way it is told to me as truth that a basic cooking class consists of pierce and microwave a ready meal and boil in the bag rice.

I know somethings get dumbed down nowadays but think this this case you aren't being told the 'truth. about this.

I questioned the person who imparted this to me. His wife is a teacher, and although every class concerning Home Economics or Management is not like this, it is typical of the allowances made. Pupil are allowed to use ready made products instead of learning how to make the basics from fresh ingredients. And yes, the microwave does play a part in the process. It just reminds me of when calculators were allowed instead of working out in your rough book or use a slide rule. The answer the calculator gives may not be correct but you are in no position to realise that because you cannot work it our for yourself. QED. Just a gradient on the slippery slope to dumbing down by not insisting the basics are learned well before progressing to a higher level. When I was invovled in recruiting apprentices when in my early 20's I was astounded that applicants from my old school were so poorly educated.This was the school I attended only 7 years previously. Their application forms, hand written in those days, were appalling. We did take on some young lads after interviews, and they became good apprentices. They were not dumb, just badly let down by the new style 'Shirley Williams' education system. That woman has a lot to answer for in my book. Cheers Concrete