North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot) was delighted to host the SurreyFE SEN Bake-off Competition, the latest in the series of inter-college skills competitions. The competition which was held on Friday 09 May, featured showstopping creations by students from the four SurreyFE colleges – Activate Learning (Guildford college), Brooklands Technical College, East Surrey College, and Nescot.
Teams of two students representing each college participated in the creative baking competition. They were selected following competition heats within their respective colleges. They all worked to a set brief, creating unique cakes of their own chosen theme based on, ‘The Magic of Nature’, ‘Keep It Moving’ (for sport or transport) or ‘What Makes Us Happy’.
The event was judged by Andrew Willetts, Chief Executive Officer of The Orpheus Centre; Stephen Eagle from Aramark and Kate Mason, Nescot Catering and Hospitality lecturer.
The judges were so impressed with the teams’ professionalism and incredible bake. They awarded:
First place to Nescot:
- Jamie and Omal won for their excellent teamwork, execution and amazing piping skills.
Second place to Brooklands Technical College:
- Callum and Reece were commended for their ‘Chef’s Jacket’ theme and a moist cake with good defined layers.
Joint Third place to East Surrey College and Activate (Guildford College)
- East Surrey College – Olivia and Sophia impressed the judges with their presentation and story-telling for their cake concept and flavour combination.
- Activate (Guilford College) – Brandon and Raihan were applauded for their excellent lemon frosting flavour, cake layers and good hygiene standards.
Competition judge, Andrew Willetts, Chief Executive Officer of The Orpheus Centre said: Thank you to all of the colleges that took part today. It was a privilege to be part of the day and support all four colleges in their success. The skill level and the execution of what was baked on the day was outstanding. Well-done to everyone who took part, you should be really proud of yourselves and the colleges that you represented, and well done to the overall winner, Nescot.”
Competition judge, Kate Mason, Nescot Catering and Hospitality lecturer added: “All teams demonstrated excellent teamwork and good hygiene practices. They clearly all practised their cakes, and executed them brilliantly. The flavours were fantastic throughout, as was the definition of layers, the cakes were all beautiful and very professionally done. Well-done to all.”
The participants were judged on, creativity (including, flavour combination, originality and execution of design concept, creativity in colour and decoration), time management, ability to work under pressure, health and safety, hygiene standards, attention to detail, safe handling of equipment, presentation skills, story-telling through cake design and communication skills.
