More than 30 year 10 hospitality and catering students hosted a sumptuous afternoon tea for 30 members of staff and local business representatives.
The event formed part of the student's initial level 2 GCSE assessment. Students worked in teams to research and prepare a selection of savoury and sweet dishes of their own design. They worked together to cost the tea, taking into account materials used and profit margins.
Students researched the job roles and responsibilities needed to run a successful restaurant beforehand. They then took turns in taking on at least three roles.
As in any restaurant, dietary requirements were taken into consideration and vegetarian, gluten free and lactose free options were researched, prepared and served as requested.
The GCSE hospitality and catering course is led by Linda Smith and David Lloyd with support from Evelyn Sperring. Linda said: 'I was extremely proud of each of the students. For some students it enabled them to come out of their shell and show just how capable they are at achieving a high GCSE grade.
'The students were polite, calm and showed great enthusiasm during the whole day, putting in 100pc. Holding such events shows not just the students' skills but also prepares them for the working world.
'Linking the event to the wider curriculum through literacy and numeracy was important to the school. It enabled some of the students, who struggle in these areas, to develop a greater understanding of the subjects using real-world examples. All students study catering from years 7-9. Students then chose if they want to carry on and complete the GCSE. The school strives to ensure all students have the knowledge, skill and confidence to carry on producing healthy dishes no matter what they do in life. Cooking is a life skill and one our students enjoy.'
Chloe Cruickshank, HR manager at Blue Sky Leisure, which operates the Kelling Heath and Woodhill holiday parks and is enterprise adviser for Fakenham Academy, said: 'It was great to be invited to be a part of such a successful event and continue our partnership with education within the North Norfolk area. It was great to see the students overwhelmed with confidence and pride in their planning and execution of professional, yet extremely delicious, creations.
'It was great to see first-hand how Fakenham Academy is enhancing the curriculum by complementing students' learning with employability skills to support future career and life choices.'
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