It makes sense though, these kids aren't learning how to cook using recipes, everyone of them can cook already, they are supposed to learn and show how to create own recipes.
They might as well not be there otherwise, even if they are able to make the best margherita in the world, if they don't add anything to it, the difference in taste will be marginally better/worse.
They are basically trying to get a doctor title in cooking, you don't do that by doing "science" that has already been done.