Highlands College and Lycee Hotelier Dinard Cultural exchange programme
Dinard College visit Jersey
Lycee Hotelier College, Dinard visited Jersey from 14th to the 19th of April. Highlands College (Academy of culinary arts) have spent the week hosting and working alongside students and teachers from Lycee hotelier Dinard. A wide variety of activities have taken place both within the College Kitchens and restaurants and ‘off-site’ visits.
The week started with the French students learning how to make the perfect ‘English breakfast’ followed by a visit to Manor Farm in St Ouen to view seasonal produce and enjoy lunch provided by le Roberline company (cooking pork on open fire). Students were hosted by Ganache Chocolatier at the waterfront where former Highlands Academy student, Glenn Noel talked about his journey from College to working at the ‘best restaurant in the world’ to setting up business back in Jersey last August. A cheese tasting session took place at Relish delicatessen with owner Florian describing how to pair specific cheeses and challenging students to describe tastes, textures etc. Highlands Academy has provided skills sessions for the French students, filleting fish and sauce making in the kitchen and a Barista Masterclass in the restaurant. Further visits to the Royal Yacht hotel to view the facilities and have dinner, and a trip to Woodside farm to learn more about Jersey produce and the famous ‘Jersey cows’ have showcased the best of Jersey from a Culinary and hospitality perspective.
Our hospitality/tourism students also arranged a half day island tour for a selection of French students, highlighting attractions such as historically significant aspects of Jersey’s north and west coast, including the Puffin sanctuary at Plemont, the work of the Durell conversation trust and occupation / military history. On the final day both French and Jersey students had the opportunity to visit the Highlands College careers fayre, hosted at the Merton hotel, to practice English talking to employers about potential job opportunities.
Both sets of students have worked together within the Highlands academy restaurant producing lunch and dinner to a full restaurant of paying customers, with a focus on local produce and sustainability.
This has been a hugely successful partnership and opportunity for both sets of students and whilst the learning experience has been invaluable, most importantly the bond and partnership developed has been the most satisfying aspect. Many of our learners who were impacted in some way from the Covid pandemic, having missed opportunities during their school life have really embraced this experience, several having never taken a school trip off Island previously.
Facebook – Take a look at the pictures!