Students from Archway put on a feast recently when they took over a luxury hotel.

Year nines at the school studying food arrived at Calcot Manor on Wednesday, June 27 to find it a blank canvas, ready for them to organise, prepare and serve afternoon tea for seventy-five guests.

Beautiful sandwiches, scones and cakes were all made and served by the students to teachers, carers and parents under the direction of the hotel’s director Paul, manager Ali and baker Matt.

Though initially daunted, students overcame their nerves to press on with the task at hand.

Furniture was collected, counted and placed, linen and skirts dressed the tables, napkins folded with ribbons, flowers selected, crockery chosen, cutlery placed and bunting hung – all coordinating and appropriate for a beautiful summer event.

The school organised the hotel takeover to develop students’ hospitality skills and open their eyes to a career in the industry or simply developing their personal skills

“This inspired me, seeing all the different jobs and the choices I could make” said one Archway student Chantal.

A particular highlight came from one of the students Ben.

Food is one of Ben’s favourite subjects and one of his possible career choices is to be a chef.

His teachers say he has flourished in food lessons this year, working more and more independently, confidently, making a wide range of quality products and not needing to use any specialist equipment that was required in the early stages of the course.

Ben continued in this vein at Calcot where he got fully immersed in all of the making - although he was disappointed to be making scones not chocolate brownies.

Many Archway staff supported the event and the students that they teach and were equally impressed

“It was such an enjoyable experience – gorgeous food, beautiful setting, and a wonderful atmosphere!” said Miss Monk.