Brewing Confidence and Skills at Café 10

Warringa Park School, VIC

Jacob’s transformation is a testament to Café 10, an innovative work experience program for Year 10-12 students at Warringa Park School. His mum says: “Jacob has learned so much. He has become really confident in the kitchen and tried to replicate everything he makes at school, at home. I have also noticed he speaks a lot better when ordering his own food from cafés or food outlets.”

With less than half their students accessing work experience in recent years, the special school expanded its existing Café program to offer more authentic learning opportunities. Café 10 provides 10 days of hands-on experience where students learn customer service, teamwork, and food preparation. The school’s Allied Health team have adapted equipment in the café to ensure practical learning and teachers provide students with step-by-step guidance.

Students like Jacob have made remarkable growth in communication skills, some improving by over two levels. In this supportive environment, students are also gaining confidence, eagerly taking on more responsibility and wanting to help others learn.

Jacob has learned so much. He has become really confident in the kitchen and tried to replicate everything he makes at school, at home. I have also noticed he speaks a lot better when ordering his own food from cafés or food outlets.”
Jacob’s Mum

Thanks to Schools Plus’ support, Café 10 is set up to sustain itself so it can continue to make a difference for more students.