An appetite for knowledge

The modern commercial kitchen is a fast-paced, ‘in the deep end’ environment. Learning how to use appropriate equipment before arriving here is vitally important for hospitality students.

It’s for this reason that Genesis Christian College recently upgraded their teaching kitchen facilities.

The independent co-educational Queensland school’s aim is clear – to “light the fire” in students so they develop a hunger and passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. With the new development this lifetime of learning can begin in the best possible way.

The old teaching kitchen was gutted and an extension added to double the teaching space and dining areas. Importantly, it was fitted with all new equipment to Queensland’s commercial kitchen specifications. The refurbishment began at the start of October 2014 and the new kitchen opened for full operation in May 2015.

The new kitchen now provides the opportunity to run large cooking demonstrations and classes using the demonstration bench, over-bench cameras and a roving microphone and speaker system.

In 2016 the college will introduce a Certificate II in Hospitality as a subject option – meaning installing the right equipment was even more important.

Fiona Hogan, Home Economics and Hospitality Subject Coordinator, believes this installation has been a great success. “The blast chiller,” she says, “increases the products students can complete in a practical lesson.”

As part of the refurbishment the college installed a Blue Seal oven range, Wexiodisk passthrough dishwasher, a Friginox blast chiller and a Convotherm combi-steamer.

This equipment is used to produce a wide variety of food, including baked goods, pastries, cakes, desserts, main meals, salads, soups and canapés.

Genesis Home Economics and Hospitality Subject Coordinator Fiona Hogan says, “The kitchen has been designed specifically to teach hospitality students using industry standard equipment.”

“We chose Moffat for its reputation, quality, reliability, look and pre-sales consultation support,” says Fiona. “Their pre-sales demonstration of the equipment highlighted the benefits of the dishwasher and combi-oven specifically – and their great after-sales service, support and training has not disappointed us.”