They looked too good to eat but they were gone like a licked cream from a beater.

A group of Taupaki School students beavered away in the Food Technology department, whipping up a batch of colourful cupcakes to sell as a fundraiser for the SPCA.

They also dressed up as animal characters to promote their sweet treats.

Teacher Jo Owen says the pupils had a design day to trial their recipe before deciding on their best cupcakes.

"In technology it's about the process of designing something and taking it through to what the customers want, the theme and range of cupcakes and prices," she says. "It teaches them to engage and how to work as a group."

The importance of technology departments also came through.

"It's part of who we are as a culture - it's that Kiwi can-do attitude. We don't all learn the same way and we want a varied society with people who can do many things," Mrs Owen says.

As the first SPCA fundraiser, next year the concept will be expanded. There will probably be more cupcakes to cater for after-school appetites.

- © Fairfax NZ News