News and Events

Yule log Christmas catering competition

Our GCSE Hospitality and Catering students took part in a festive log-making competition in their classes recently. The tech rooms were filled with the delicious smell of melted chocolate and freshly baked sponge cakes as the groups worked hard to create their own traditional Yule logs.

Each student started with the same basic ingredients, but they were encouraged to be creative with flavours, fillings, and decorations. They experimented with designs and intricate patterns in the sponge or sculpted seasonal decorations from fondant.

In the first lesson, students demonstrated a wide range of practical skills, including whisking, folding, baking, and rolling a Swiss-roll style sponge. The second lesson was all about creative decoration. The atmosphere was lively and festive, with Christmas music playing softly in the background as students helped one another solve problems such as cracked sponges or runny icing.

At the end of the session, the Yule logs were presented for judging. Marks were awarded for creativity and overall presentation. The finished cakes ranged from elegant, minimalist designs dusted with icing sugar “snow” to elaborate fruit and garnish decor. The competition was a fun and engaging way to develop students’ practical skills, encouraging creativity and celebrating the approach of the festive season within the GCSE curriculum. Congratulations to our winners: James D, Anaya C, George H and Thomas G. We will be having a mince pie competition next to find the overall winner!