Attributes of a Most Able Learner in Hospitality & Catering

A most able learner in Hospitality and Catering demonstrates a keen passion for the industry, which is reflected in their insightful analysis of culinary practices, service standards, and operations in the classroom. They possess strong critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyse and interpret recipes and production methods. These learners confidently evaluate different culinary techniques, service approaches, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. A most able Hospitality and Catering learner is someone who’s really curious about all the different foods, ways of serving people, and how menus are planned.

Learning Outside of the Classroom

Learning outside the classroom is crucial for Hospitality and Catering as it provides real-world context and practical experience. At home learners could try adapting and creating your own recipes. Document their process, successes, and failures. They could offer to cook or bake for family gatherings or small events. This gives them practical experience with planning, preparation, and serving.They could explore different cuisines and try to recreate authentic dishes by creating a themed cooking night at home. Watch documentaries or cooking shows and learn from professional chefs and explore different food cultures. Explore online recipes through websites such as BBC Good Food All recipes and professional chef websites offer a wealth of information. At KS4, volunteer and offer time at local events or organisations that involve food and service. This can provide experience without the commitment of paid work. Think local festivals, community kitchens, or charity events. Or gain a part time job in Hospitality (restaurant, cafe or retail).

By actively engaging in learning outside the classroom, most able learners gain valuable practical skills, a deeper understanding of the industry, and a significant advantage in your Hospitality and Catering course.

AQA Revision Guides for Key Stage 4

Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering WJEC | Eduqas
WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award Hospitality and Catering (Technical Award) Study & Revision Guide
My Revision Notes: WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering

Revision
Knowledge organisers

How We Support Most Able Learners in Lessons

Disciplinary Skill/Knowledge Tailored Support
Exam strategies and Revision
  • A range of revision strategies are used in lessons including flashcards, the cube method,
    These will all be encouraged beyond the classroom.
Being able to work independently

  1. To take initiative in practical tasks
  2. Be able to select appropriate ingredients and equipment
  3. Manage their time and plan towards a final presented outcome
  • Learners are given a recipe that they need to follow independently.
    Recipes are available without the equipment list to build resilience and independence. Learners need to collect the equipment they think they need to prepare, cook and present their dish.
Be able to use appropriate hospitality
terminology
  • Learners are exposed to Hospitality professionals when on trips and visits as well as when guest speakers are invited into school. The navy and local colleges visit to give a taster practical and a talk about the profession. Work experience opportunities are also available for learners who would like to work in industry.
    Teaching staff cater lessons to include Tier 3 vocabulary, visuals around the room as well as high order questioning based on the curriculum and specification.
Work from Simple then Medium to Complex skills
  • Learners are given the opportunity to debone a chicken and fillet a fish in KS4. These complex skills allow learners to aim high and challenge them. Learners in KS3 can use a range of complex cooking methods to achieve the end dish. Learners will discuss how they could adapt their dishes to achieve a greater amount of complex skills. Excellent curriculum planning along with teacher high quality demonstrations to help learners.
Presentation skills
  • Learners are given the opportunity to present their dishes to industry standards. Learners have a range of crockery and equipment to choose from to do this. High quality examples will be shown to learners to inspire them to present their dishes.
Communication and teamwork

Job roles
  • Learners will be given the opportunity to learn and understand different roles within the hospitality environment. Learners at KS3 will understand each role but then use these roles within the lesson (executive chef, sous chef ect) Sous chef is awarded to individuals who have shown initiative and they then help the executive chef (the teacher) run the kitchen and use their outstanding skills to support others.
Have a variety of knowledge and understanding.
  • Through wider reading, podcasts, or TV learners have a wider knowledge beyond the core powerful knowledge. Examples will be constantly given from industry experience from the teacher and any updated operations within the industry will be discussed throughout lessons.

 

What Can Parents/Carers Do To Support?

Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting a learner’s success and engagement in Hospitality and Catering. By encouraging part-time work/volunteering: Help them find and support them in securing part-time jobs or volunteering opportunities in local restaurants, cafes, catering companies, or even school events. Support Home-Based Practice: Provide a safe and suitable environment for them to experiment with recipes and cooking techniques at home. This might involve allocating kitchen time, helping with grocery shopping, or even investing in basic equipment. Encourage Catering for Family/Friends: Suggest they take the lead in preparing meals for family gatherings or small get-togethers to build confidence and practical skills.

 

Useful Websites

https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/14-16-years
Food A fact of life

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
Recipes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zvtx47h/revision/1
Revision

https://www.animalaid.org.uk
Animal Aid

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
Careers