Hospitality and Catering

Exam Board: Eduqas

Hospitality and catering is a dynamic, vibrant and innovative sector delivering vital jobs, growth and investment in the heart of our local communities - important culturally, socially and economically. The sector is a major contributor to the UK economy, employing 2.9 million people and generating £130bn in economic activity, while paying £38bn in taxation to fund important local and national services. Hospitality is the 3rd largest private sector employer in the UK; double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined.

Businesses which make up the hospitality sector include hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars, leisure parks, stadia, nightclubs, contract caterers, food service operators, entertainment and visitor attractions. Employment can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers, and food technologists working for supermarket chains. Some of these roles require further education and training either through apprenticeships or further and higher education.

The EDUQAS Level 1/2 qualification consists of two separate units:

Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry

Assessed externally – Examination in Year 11

• The UK is currently perceived to offer the friendliest hospitality service in Europe. For the majority behind this vibrant industry, hospitality is more than just a job; it is a passion, an opportunity to express creativity - a form of ‘art.’ For the public, dining out is not just ‘eating,’ it is a whole experience, a time to let go and encounter new senses.
• The greatest challenge facing the hospitality and catering industry today is the shortage of skilled staff at all levels; the industry
• offers fantastic careers to all.

In this unit learners will gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and catering industry including provision, health and safety, and food safety.

Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action

Internally assessed – Coursework based controlled assessment portfolio of work produced in Year 10/11

Career options in the hospitality and catering industry are vast from popular restaurant chains to Michelin-starred restaurants. Careers in catering involve providing food services with the responsibility of customer service, food preparation, cleanliness and hygiene. Food needs to be stored, handled, prepared and cooked correctly to ensure its consumption does not affect people’s health. Everyone who has a role to play within the food industry has a responsibility to minimise the risks of causing food borne illness. Chefs and nutritionists are involved in the preparation of menus and reviewing how preparation and presentation methods affect nutritional values. Food on a menu needs to meet the nutritional needs of the customer and be prepared, cooked and served in a certain way to ensure customer appeal and standards are maintained in any establishment; thus food safety and meeting nutritional needs must be the focus of all planning and activities.

In this unit learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition and how to plan nutritious menus. They will learn the skills needed to prepare, cook and present dishes. They will also learn how to review their work effectively.

Additional Information

When opting for this subject, students, parents and carers must be made aware of the expectation for students to bring ingredients and cook regularly, as well as provide ingredients to participate in the Year 11 practical examination, where a 2-course meal is prepared under timed conditions.

Students must be well organised and committed to extending their practical skills, as well as keeping an open mind to trying new foods and progressively attempting new techniques.

Assessment

Assessment

Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry

(40% of final grade)

Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action

(60% of final grade)