Year 10 Hospitality & Catering Programme 2026

Developing Skills Through Real Industry Experiences

As part of our commitment to linking curriculum learning with the world of work, our Year 10 GCSE Hospitality and Catering students took part in a bespoke programme designed to provide an insight into the hospitality sector and the wide range of careers available within the industry.

The programme was delivered in collaboration with Leeds City Council’s Employment and Skills Team, working in partnership with Park Plaza Leeds and Leeds City College to create a series of four employer encounters that connected classroom learning with real-world experiences.

The aim of the programme was to help students understand what a career in hospitality involves, challenge misconceptions about the sector and explore the different routes available into the industry.

Exploring Careers at Park Plaza Leeds

The programme began with a visit to Park Plaza Leeds, where students had the opportunity to experience a professional hospitality environment first-hand.

During the visit, students met members of the Park Plaza team and took part in a careers panel, hearing about the different roles within a hotel and the career journeys of industry professionals. Students also explored the hotel through behind-the-scenes tours, gaining insight into the departments and teamwork required to deliver a successful guest experience.

The visit also included a fun and competitive bed-making challenge, allowing students to develop practical skills and understand the attention to detail required within hospitality roles.

Exploring Further Education Pathways at Leeds City College

The second interaction saw students visit Leeds City College, where they learned more about progression routes into hospitality and catering.

Students heard from industry-experienced tutors about the courses available, the skills developed through college-level study and what it is like to continue their education in a specialist environment.

This helped students understand the different pathways available after GCSEs and how further education can support progression into hospitality careers.

Hospitality Masterclass with Park Plaza Chefs

Students then welcomed two Sous Chefs from Park Plaza Leeds into school for a practical masterclass.

The chefs demonstrated their expertise, shared their experiences of working in professional kitchens and provided students with an insight into the skills, creativity and commitment required within the catering industry.

This session allowed students to connect their classroom learning with the expectations of working in a professional hospitality environment.

Delivering an Afternoon Tea Experience

The final event gave students the opportunity to put their skills into practice by delivering their own afternoon tea service for invited guests, including parents, members of the Senior Leadership Team, representatives from Park Plaza Leeds and Leeds City Council’s Employment and Skills Team.

Students spent three hours preparing for the event, working together to create the food, organise the service area, lay tables and provide a professional experience for their guests.

The event showcased the students’ developing culinary, teamwork and customer service skills, while allowing them to experience the planning and organisation required to deliver a successful hospitality event.

Developing Future Skills

Throughout the programme, students developed valuable employability skills including communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and professionalism. They also gained a greater understanding of the wide range of opportunities available within hospitality, from catering and events to hotel management and specialist roles.

We would like to thank Leeds City Council’s Employment and Skills Team, Park Plaza Leeds and Leeds City College for their support in creating such a valuable programme and for inspiring our students through meaningful encounters with industry professionals.