Aureus School students sample hotel life

Students from Aureus School in Didcot got a taste of the world of hospitality when they paid a visit to the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.

The 32 Year 10 Hospitality and Catering students saw their classroom studies brought to life during the visit on Thursday 16 April, which introduced them to the realities of working in a hotel.

“The purpose of the visit was to give students a real-life insight into the hospitality industry and allow them to experience how different departments within a hotel operate on a daily basis,” explained Lamprini Adam, Head of Design Technology at Aureus.

“The visit supported classroom learning by helping students connect theoretical content from the WJEC Hospitality and Catering Course to real working environments, particularly in relation to customer service, food service, kitchen operations, front of house, teamwork, and career pathways within the hospitality sector.”

Besides consolidating their learning, there was the chance for the students to put theory into practice and gain some hands-on experience.

“During the visit, students were introduced to various hotel departments, and had the opportunity to work alongside staff members within different roles,” continued Mrs Adam.

“They rotated around departments, observed how the hotel operates, and were able to ask questions directly to professionals working in the industry. Students also learned about career opportunities, expectations within hospitality roles, and the importance of communication and teamwork."

“One of the most memorable moments for many students was being able to shadow hotel staff in real working environments and gain first-hand experience of the pace and professionalism required within the industry.”

“Visits like this are extremely important, as they allow students to experience learning beyond the classroom, and understand how their studies link directly to future careers,” she added. “They help students develop confidence, professionalism, and communication skills, while also raising aspirations and encouraging engagement with the subject."

“Experiences such as this can have a significant impact on students’ understanding of the hospitality industry, and help them make informed decisions about future education and career pathways.”