BTEC Hospitality International Student Wins Award

02 July, 2015

Clark Montano, an International student from the Philippines (left) with fellow winner Chloe Coxhill

Two final year Hospitality students from The Bournemouth and Poole College recently competed in the annual Institute of Hospitality (IOH) Students Awards. The ceremony was held at the exclusive Lainston House near Winchester.

Clark Montano, an International student from the Philippines, and Chloe Coxhill – both from BTEC Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision – were up against stiff competition from students representing South Downs College and Highbury College.

Course tutor, Josephine Pearce, mentored and prepared them for this gruelling experience where they had to submit a video demonstration on YouTube and a detailed written entry to be shortlisted. During the evening, they had to present their video and then face an ‘industry-focused related interrogation’ by a panel of specialist judges, and all of this in front of an audience. No one could rehearse for the tricky questions posed!

Clark and Chloe were both great ambassadors for the college as challenging questions were answered eloquently and they demonstrated maturity and a passion for the industry.

Chloe won IOH (Southern Branch) Hospitality Services Student of the Year: Trophy and Master Class at Lainston House Hotel, and Clark was runner-up for the Craft Skills: Trophy and Master Class at Chewton Glen Hotel.

Accompanying and supporting Clark and Chloe on the evening were Christophe Baffos (Head of Curriculum) and Mark Alderman (Senior Team Leader).

Mark Alderman quoted “This was a true test of the students’ character and professionalism. They really shone through with fantastic responses, and demonstrated a maturity beyond their years. We are so proud of them”.

Chloe commented “The BTEC Level 3 Hospitality Supervision course at Bournemouth College has really stretched us as individuals and without the support from the course tutors, we would never be able to face such challenges. The course is so diverse, preparing you for any aspect of the industry. I wholeheartedly recommend it!”