Not all students learn best in a traditional classroom setting. This innovative project aims to use the setting of a simulated coffee shop to teach hospitality skills to students. Building upon the theme of the coffee shop, other core subjects like maths and english can be aligned to practical workplace situations, in turn making the learning more relevant and interesting.

Aims:

• To provide the students with an opportunity to complete a nationally recognized qualification in Barista training.
• Set up a coffee making service in a simulated small business environment
• Improve students employability, self management and entrepreneurial skills
• To offer broader learning opportunity’s to the students that is ‘hands-on’ as an alternative to classroom ‘text-book’ learning.
• To give the students an opportunity to meet employers & research jobs available in the area
• To learn from and gain a better understanding of the hospitality industry from people directly involved.
• Develop links between local businesses, industry and the community
• To build confidence and acknowledge the positive steps the students have taken to develop career options for their life after school
• To assist in preparing students for their transition from school to work.
• To publically recognize and acknowledge the community-based support local industry has provided.

Summary:

The Coffee Cup Project focuses on giving students who are ‘at risk’ of leaving school early an opportunity to develop their skills and increase their options for life after school in the world of employment – with a particular focus on the hospitality industry. The Penrith Adolescent Centre is a specialized unit managed by Blaxland High School hosting students with learning and behavioral concerns and has fostered links with the Schools Industry Partnership. Together, we have developed a project that seeks to give years 9 & 10 students the opportunity for ‘hands on learning’, gain relevant industry experience and employability skills in a simulated small business setting. A hospitality network web will be created by the students interacting with industry professionals and completing a nationally recognized statement of attainment in barista coffee preparation, providing the students with a total package of industry experience, contacts and options for future career choices.

Business Sponsors and Mentors Involved: