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25/08/26

A delayed post but a big Congratulations to all our HAO students on their GCSE results. We are proud of your achievements and excited to see many of you continue to grow, succeed, and shine in our Sixth Form. Read our website article here:  shorturl.at/B5Po2

13/08/26

Congratulations to our Class of 2026! We are incredibly proud of all our students who have achieved a fantastic set of A Level results today. We are especially delighted to celebrate HAO's first-ever Oxford University place!  

26/05/26

Last week, our students enjoyed a fantastic opportunity taking part in a  workshop. The positive impact was clear, with many eager to continue developing their skills. Thank you to Centre Stage Theatre Academy. tinyurl.com/yhbpd8kp

26/05/26

A busy and celebratory end to the half term saw the H2H attendance challenge end with tutor group 7A taking away the Bongo Bingo celebration event. Well done for most improved attendance.

01/05/26

Check out this weeks new books to explore.

01/05/26

We are delighted to be hosting a HAO Culture, Heritage and Identity Day this term on 22/05/2026. The day is to celebrate the incredible diversity within our academy community and to recognise and express our individuality, along with some curious questions.

13/03/26

This week HAO proudly took part in National Science Week, embracing this year’s inspiring theme: “Curiosity – What’s Your Question?” We believe every great idea begins with a question. So we ask our whole community: What’s your question? Video  

10/03/26

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10/03/26

World Book Day took place last week, but as part of the fun activities throughout the week, students produced some great work. Below are a few examples from some of our talented students.

10/03/26

This week HAO is celebrating Science Week, with this years theme ‘Curiosity - what’s you Question?’ Here are some of our staffs curious questions.

06/03/26

On its way to becoming a yearly event, HAO students are once again taking part in the Mini London Marathon for schools, creating our own mini marathon in the last 2 weeks for the spring term. 

02/03/26

The new spring/summer term sports clubs go live this week. Make sure you sign up and bring the right kit to participate.

16/02/26

As its half term, we didn’t want our students missing out on such a celebration, so incorporated it into our week. Thank you to   

16/02/26

The catering team at HAO created an amazing range of foods for lunch last week to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which is tomorrow.

12/02/26

🎓 Happy National School Governors’ Awareness Day! A huge thank you to all our dedicated school governors who give their time, expertise, and passion to support our schools and help every pupil thrive. Your commitment makes a real difference every day.  

30/01/26

Event Reminder - Year 8 Parents Evening is next week. Students will have appointment sheets to book in the meetings. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

23/01/26

HAO is launching its attendance challenge  from Monday. What is the prize I hear you ask... the most improved year group will have a pizza party on the last day of this half term. Last time, Y10 were the winners. Lets see who comes out on top this time.

16/01/26

What are you reading currently? Check out our recommendations.

05/01/26

Event Reminder - Year 11 Parents Evening is this week. Students have already had their appointment sheets. We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

15/12/25

Finally, a reminder: The last day of this term is 19/12/2025, and the Academy will close to all students at 12.45pm. Students will be allowed to wear their own clothes, including Christmas jumpers, and we ask all to bring a £1 donation that will go to our local charity.

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Back to Subjects

Hospitality & Catering

"Hospitality and Catering is more than learning to cook—it's about helping students achieve, belong and thrive through developing skills that last a lifetime." 

Hospitality and Catering is a dynamic and engaging subject that combines practical skills with academic knowledge. Students explore the hospitality and catering industry while developing an understanding of nutrition, food science, food safety, sustainability, customer expectations and the principles of successful food production. 

Our curriculum inspires creativity, independence and a lifelong appreciation of food. Through a balance of practical cooking and theoretical learning, students develop the confidence to make informed decisions about food, wellbeing and healthy living, whilst gaining valuable employability skills that prepare them for further education, future careers and independent life. 

Students are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Whether they aspire to a career within the hospitality industry or simply want the confidence to prepare nutritious meals for themselves and their families, Hospitality and Catering equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. 

"Hospitality and Catering has taught me to try new things, work under pressure and collaborate with others. The best part is seeing people enjoy the food I've made." 
– Alfie, Year 10 

Key Stage 4 

At Key Stage 4, students study the WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering, a nationally recognised qualification equivalent to GCSE level. 

The course develops both practical expertise and theoretical understanding of the hospitality and catering industry. Students investigate how the industry operates before applying their knowledge through planning, preparing, cooking and evaluating nutritious dishes for a variety of customers and hospitality settings. 

Throughout the course, students develop knowledge and understanding of: 

  • The hospitality and catering industry  

  • Health and safety in hospitality and catering  

  • Food safety and hygiene  

  • Nutrition and healthy eating  

  • Food provenance and environmental sustainability  

  • Menu planning and adapting recipes to meet different dietary requirements  

  • Kitchen organisation and time management  

  • Food preparation, cooking and presentation techniques  

  • Customer needs and expectations  

  • Evaluating food choices and practical outcomes  

Alongside subject knowledge, students develop valuable transferable skills including: 

  • Communication  

  • Teamwork and leadership  

  • Creativity and innovation  

  • Organisation and time management  

  • Problem-solving and decision-making  

  • Critical thinking  

  • Independence and resilience  

These transferable skills are highly valued by employers and support students across all areas of learning and future employment. 

Career opportunities include: 

  • Chef  

  • Pastry Chef  

  • Catering Manager  

  • Restaurant or Hotel Manager  

  • Event Manager  

  • Food Product Developer  

  • Nutrition Assistant  

  • Hospitality Supervisor  

  • Front of House Manager  

  • Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner  

The teamwork, communication, organisation and problem-solving skills developed throughout the course are highly transferable, making Hospitality and Catering an excellent foundation for success across many different professions. 

"Hospitality and Catering has encouraged me to be creative while building confidence and skills that I know will help me in the future, whatever career I choose."  
– Jamie, Year 10 

Beyond the Classroom 

Hospitality and Catering extends learning beyond the curriculum by providing opportunities for students to develop the confidence, independence and practical skills needed for adult life. 

Our Sixth Form Cooking Enrichment programme continues to provide students with opportunities to prepare for life beyond school through practical, hands-on learning. Students develop the skills to prepare nutritious meals on a budget, build confidence in meal planning and food preparation, and learn how to recreate healthier versions of everyday favourites. 

The programme also introduces students to enterprise, encouraging them to explore how their culinary skills can be developed into business opportunities while building creativity, financial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking. 

By combining healthy living, budgeting, practical cookery and enterprise, Hospitality and Catering equips students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom and prepare them for university, apprenticeships, employment and independent living. 

"Hospitality and Catering isn't just about preparing food—it's about preparing students for life." 

 

Documents

Hospitality Catering Long term plan 26 16th Jul 2026 Download