Continuing our spotlight series, this month we hear how the HALO group, four schools in the Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset area, has worked with local hoteliers and Bournemouth and Poole College to develop a hospitality and catering opportunity for KS4 students.

The aim of the group was to develop a structure to fulfil: ‘The vision for rich 14-19 education offers: chances for every student to achieve: choices, via alternative pathways and clear progression routes to further education or employment and collaboration, which enables us to enrich the opportunities available for young people’, SSAT Vocational Specialism.

The course

Ashdown Technology College, Glenmoor School, QE School in Wimborne and Twynham School in Christchurch are working with The De Vere Royal Bath, The Wessex and Carrington Hotels and The Haven Hotel to develop a practical learning opportunity for students, which will result in level 1 and 2 qualifications in hospitality and catering at the end of key stage 4. The HALO group decided on the ABC qualification as this was industry recognised and the assessment criteria emphasised learning through practical demonstrations.

Working with employers from the embryonic stage has ensured that this was a genuine vocational provision with schemes of work designed by employers and teachers. The support of Bournemouth Area Hoteliers Association has been a powerful tool in maintaining the impetus with the hotels and extending the opportunities for additional experiences

The course is structured so that students, of which there are currently 24, will study in school for year 1 with extra work experience weeks throughout the year at the host hotel and the second year will be spent with one day a week working and training in various areas of the hotel industry. For students who remain engaged with the programme and continue to be interested in the industry there is planned progression post 16 and hotels are keen to participate in this training to employment and beyond.

In year 1 of the programme employees from the hotels will deliver key units at the schools and hotels to ensure vocational skills reach industry standards. To date this has involved interview sessions, customer care work and food and nutrition input. Students will also be provided with the opportunity within the course to gain additional industry qualifications such as Welcome Host and a basic Food Hygiene Certificate, which will provide them with additional employability skills.

Lesson planning

The schools and hotels share access to a learning resource using ‘Learnsouth.com’ where all lesson plans and resources are stored. This includes demonstrations by the hotels and college on aspects such as culinary skills or customer care as well as work sheets and factual information. This tool is also used by teaching staff to monitor student progress and attendance and address any wider concerns.

Bournemouth and Poole College play an integral part within the programme in delivering training for staff, teaching specialist topics and delivering an IAG road show on an annual basis, to support students in appropriate and relevant decisions 14-19. Impartial advice and guidance is seen as an essential element within the delivery programme and students will be supported by an academic mentor from within schools and within the industry. We also intend to provide opportunities for the students to discuss issues with level 2 and 3 students currently at the college. These students will also act as buddies during cookery competitions such as the Rotary Young Chef and Yes Chef with Enterprise Skills Council.

The future

The course is currently in its embryonic state but the evaluation to date has been very positive; students are fully engaged and enjoying every aspect of the delivery and schools, college and industry value the strong local partnerships that are evolving to ensure high quality applied learning and teaching for young people of all abilities.

The success of the provision lies in schools taking time to develop relationships with employers and by emphasising the benefits to all those engaged with the programme. This has developed into a common vision between all stake holders which has enabled risks to be taken within an environment of trust.

It is intended to roll out the programme for another 24 students in September 2008 and to use the same model to develop a motor vehicle and retail programme. It is hoped that this will motivate and inspire a larger number of students through practical experiences and develop within them a range of skills and competencies needed in the work environment.

Author

Eluned Pickup, Ashdown Technology College
Written on Behalf of The HALO group