Specification for the WSET Level 1 Foundation...The WSET®Level 1 Award in Wine Service 7 Qualification aims The Level 1 Wine Service course is for those preparing for, or employees

®

FoundationSpecification for the

WSET® Level 1Awardin Wine Service

www.wsetglobal.com

‘confidence for front line staff’‘confidence for front line staff’

ISSUE TWO • JUNE 2011

FCSpec (WineService) 2011web_Spirits_Spec04_web 09/06/2011 11:00 Page 1

Contents

1-6 Introduction

7-8 WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service

9-10 Unit One - Introduction to Wine Service

11 Example Assessment Task

12-14 Examination Regulations

15-16 Notes

This specification contains necessary information for both candidates and programme

providers about the WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service.

The main part of the document is a detailed statement of learning outcomes. These

outcomes should be used by providers to prepare programmes of learning, and by

candidates to plan their studies, because the examination is set to test these outcomes.

The specification also provides syllabus weighting, study and examination guidance

including the examination regulations.

The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service


1

‘confidence for front line staff ’‘confidence for front line staff ’


2 Introduction

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust Qualifications

WSET®

Awards is the

qualifications division of the

Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

We provide quality-assured qualifica-tions that help people to know moreabout alcoholic beverages and todevelop their tasting skills. We do thisby:

• liaising with the drinks industryto set suitable syllabi

• approving programme providersto offer our qualifications

• setting examinations

• issuing certificates tosuccessful candidates.

The development and awarding ofWSET® accredited qualifications is thesole responsibility of WSET® Awards,the Awarding Body of The Wine andSpirit Education Trust.

Qualification Frameworks

The UK Government has established a newregulatory authority, the Office of theQualifications and Examinations Regulator(OfQual), which regulates Awarding organisa-tions who offer qualifications on theQualifications and Curriculum Framework(QCF). All WSET® qualifications up to Level 3are being submitted for inclusion in the QCF.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines

QCF Level : 1 Accreditation Number: 600/1504/4

Description : This qualification provides a basic introduction to the main styles of wines available to front-line staff involved in the service or sale of wine. The qualification aims toprovide the basic product knowledge and skills in the storage and service of winesrequired to prepare a person for their first job in wine hospitality or retail.

Qualifications and Curriculum Framework


3Introduction continued

Qualifications and Curriculum Framework continued

Full Title : The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service

Description : This qualification builds on the knowledge and skills taught in the Award inWines, and shows how these can be used in a restaurant workplace. It is idealfor anyone who needs to gain basic skills in wine service, including thosewishing to make their first steps into a career as a sommelier.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 1 Award in Spirits


Description : This qualification provides a basic introduction to the main categories ofspirits available to front-line staff involved in the service or sale of spirits. Thequalification aims to provide basic product knowledge to prepare a person for arole in hospitality or the spirits industry.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 2 Award in Spirits

QCF Level : 2 Accreditation Number: 600/1507/X

Description : This qualification offers a greater breadth and depth of knowledge in the specificarea of spirits and liqueurs than that offered by the broader-based Level 2Award in Wines and Spirits. This qualification offers focused coverage of allproduct categories in the field of spirits, end use of the identified productstogether with the theory of tasting technique.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits


Description : This qualification offers broad coverage of all product categories in the field ofalcoholic drinks, together with the theory of tasting technique. It is suitable forthose with little previous experience.


4 Introduction continued

Qualifications and Curriculum Framework continued

Full Title : The WSET® International Higher Certificate in Wines and Spirits

Description : The International Higher Certificate gives more comprehensive coverage of the wines and spirits of the world, with an increased focus on tasting technique.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits


Description : The Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits gives more comprehensive coverage of thewines and spirits of the world, with an increased focus on tasting technique.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits

Description : This is a specialist qualification where detailed knowledge is combined withcommercial factors and a thorough system for the professional evaluation of wines and spirits. The Diploma is recommended by the Institute of Masters of Wine for candidates wishing to pursue membership.

Full Title : The WSET® Level 5 Honours Diploma in Wines and Spirits

Description : This is an individual research project, where students can develop higher-levelresearch, evaluation and analytical skills in a specialist wine and spirit subject oftheir choice.

BS EN ISO 9001:2008

WSET® Awards operates a Quality Management System whichcomplies with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008 for themanagement of awards for qualifications and examinations in theproduct knowledge and tasting competence of alcoholic beverages. BS EN ISO 9001:2008

FS 66504


5Introduction continued

Not all key-skills requirements arecovered by the WSET® Level 1 Awardin Wine Service. We, therefore,advise that any student who wishesto complete the key-skills require-ments should contact a specialistkey-skills advisor who should be ableto give suitable advice for the com-pletion of tasks.

However, two of the key skills havebeen identified where it is possible todevelop and practice key skills:

• communication

• improving own-learningand performance.

To aid the key-skills tutor and student,we have created tracking guides forthe key skills a student should beable to demonstrate when undertak-ing a WSET® Level 1 Award in WineService, and these are available in theAPP Handbook and from the WSET®

website (www.wsetglobal.com).

The guides identify key-skill opportu-nities which will occur when using therecommended WSET® Tutor Guidesand WSET® Level 1 Award in WineService study pack as part of thecourse of study for the WSET® Level1 Award in Wine Service. Educatorswho adopt alternative approaches toteaching may generate differentopportunities for the developmentand demonstration of key skills

How to prepare for the Level 1Award in Wine Service

Our recommendation is to join acourse. Group study with a qualified,experienced educator is the bestway of developing your service skills.A list of Approved ProgrammeProviders (APPs) is published on theWSET® website (www.wsetglobal.com).Please contact the APP directly tofind out about their programmes.

Development of Key Skills

• Key Skills

TThe UK Government, through theOffice of the Qualifications andExaminations Regulator, has definedlevels of attainment in six key skills:communication, application of num-ber, information technology, workingwith others, improving own-learningand performance, problem solving.The WSET® Level 1 Award in WineService does not specifically assessany of the key skills. However, it isconsidered that there are opportuni-ties for students to develop certainkey skills.

For the benefit of tutors and stu-dents, a mapping key for the six keyskills has been produced. The map-ping key will give examples where, inthe natural course of study for aWSET® Level 1 Award in WineService, it is possible to practice andgenerate evidence in key skills. Itshould be noted that the opportuni-ties for developing key skills andgenerating evidence might be affect-ed by the mode of study adopted.


Customer Service Statement

The quality and scope of servicecustomers can expect from WSET®

Awards is published in our CustomerService Statement. A copy can beobtained from the Centres Co-ordinatorand Quality Assurance Manager,WSET® Awards.

In the unlikely event of any dissatisfac-tion with the service received, pleasecontact the registered APP in the firstinstance. If the issue is not resolvedplease contact the Centres Co-ordinatorand Quality Assurance Manager,WSET® Awards.

Other issues

Unit One - Introduction to Wine Servicemakes specific reference, with detailappropriate to the level of the qualifica-tion, to the health issues associatedwith alcohol consumption.

Diversity and Equality Policy

WSET® Awards fully supports theprinciple of diversity and equality andis responsible for ensuring that allcandidates for its qualifications aretreated fairly and on an equal basis.A copy of our diversity and equalitypolicy can be obtained from theCentres Co-ordinator and QualityAssurance Manager, WSET® Awards.

6 Introduction continued


7The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service

Qualification aims

The Level 1 Wine Service course is for those preparing for, or employeesstarting, their first job in hospitality. The Level 1 course will introduce them, at avery basic level, to roles within wine service, customer service skills, handlingglassware and other service equipment, and selection and service of wine. Thiswill enable students to meet workplace or Realistic Working Environment (RWE)wine service standards and deal with basic customer enquiries. The course aimsto provide students with service information relevant to their place of employ-ment or study.

The qualification aims to prepare a person with the basic wine service skills tounderpin the competences, for example, in positions in the sale and service ofwine in hospitality.

Qualification Unit and Learning Outcome Table

Unit Title Learning Learning Outcome Outcome TitleCode

Unit

Introduction toWine Service

1

2

3

4

Introduction to Sommellerie

Customer Service

Equipment for wine service

Serving wines effectively


Progression Routes

WSET®

Level 2 Award

in Wines and Spirits

This qualification offers broadcoverage of all product categoriesin the field of alcoholic drinks,together with a more detailed tastingtechnique.

WSET®

Level 1 Award in Spirits

This qualification offers a greaterbreadth and depth of knowledgein the specific area of spirits. Thisqualification offers an overview of allproduct categories in the field ofspirits, end use of the identifiedproducts together with the theory oftasting technique.

8 The WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine Service continued

Enrolment

There are no restrictions on entry tothe WSET® Level 1 Award in WineService. Students who are under thelegal minimum age for the retailpurchase of alcoholic beverages inthe country where the examination isbeing held will not be allowed tosample any alcoholic beverage aspart of their course, but this is not abarrier to successfully completing thequalification. Similarly, students whochoose not to taste alcohol for health,religious or other reasons will notfind this a barrier to successfullycompleting the qualification. However,candidates will only be awarded thisqualification once they have gained apass in the Level 1 Award in Wines orthe Level 2 or 3 Award in Wines andSpirits.

Guided Learning Hours

It is recommended that the teachingtime for the programme is no less thansix and a half hours and should be nomore than nine.


9Unit One - Introduction to Wine Service

ROLES AND CAREER PATHS

Roles Preparing wines and glassware for service, taking ordersfrom customers, serving wines to customers, making winerecommendations, managing the wine list and cellar,managing the drinks service team

Career Paths Trainee sommelier, Assistant Sommelier, Sommelier, Head sommelier

LEARNING OUTCOME ONE – INTRODUCTION TO SOMMELLERIE

Assessment Criteria

1. Describe the roles and career paths available within wine service.

ELEMENTS THAT ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Elements Teamwork, talking, listening, questioning, body language

PREPARATION FOR SERVICE

Preparation Clothing, hygiene, jewellery and accessories, uniform

LEARNING OUTCOME TWO – CUSTOMER SERVICE

Assessment Criteria

1. Describe some elements that enhance customer service.

2. Prepare yourself for service.


LEARNING OUTCOME THREE – EQUIPMENT FOR WINE SERVICE

Assessment Criteria

1. Use key pieces of equipment that are important for wine service.

10 Unit One - Introduction to Wine Service continued

EQUIPMENT

Items Glasses, Polishing cloths, service cloths, trays

EQUIPMENT

Items Glasses, corkscrew, foil cutter

ORDER OF SERVICE

Steps Arrival of customer, preparing the table, taking orders,wine service, food service, the end of the meal

LEARNING OUTCOME FOUR – SERVING WINES EFFECTIVELY

Assessment Criteria

1. Use key pieces of equipment that are important for wine service.

2. List, and follow the steps in the order of service.

3. Open and serve still and sparkling wines to customers.

4. Use information on wine labels to describe wine styles to customers.


11Unit One - Introduction to Wine Service continued

Examples of Level 1 Award Assessment

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust does not release past papers for the WSET®

Level 1 Award assessment. The following will give students an idea of what toexpect:

• The candidate will be given a wine list and a menu in advance.

• On entering the assessment room, they will find it laid out witha side table (with equipment for wine service), a cellar area (wherewines will be placed) and a restaurant table laid out with the assessoras a diner.

• The candidate will be expected to interact with the diner, includingoffering a suitable wine for the occasion.

• The candidate must select and service a wine to the diner.This process will include folding a service cloth, selecting suitableglassware, collecting, presenting, opening and pouring the wine.


12 Examination Regulations

1.2 Recommended Prior Learning

1.2.1 There are no requirements for candi-dates to have previous knowledge orprevious experience of alcoholicbeverages.

1.2.2 The indicative levels of literacy andnumeracy required for the examina-tion are as follows:

literacy: Level 1 of the UK basic skillsnational standards, or equivalentlevel of literacy in the language usedfor the examination

numeracy: Level 1 of the UK basicskills national standards, or equiva-lent.

2 Format and Results

2.1 Candidates will be required to pass asingle-unit examination:

Unit 1: A practical role play exercisebased on a restaurant wine-servicescenario.

2.2 All skills required in the assessmentare based on the published learningoutcomes and the recommendedstudy materials contain the informationrequired to perform the tasks correctly.

2.3 Results for successful candidates willbe issued to APPs within 1-2 weeksfrom receipt of the completed scripts,provided Level 1 Award in Wines orLevel 2 or 3 Award in Wines and Spiritshave already been achieved.

2.4 WSET® Awards does not offer aegrotatawards, all assessment requirementsof the qualification must be met.

1 Entry Requirements

1.1 Eligibility

1.1.1 Candidates applying to sit theexamination must be over the legalminimum age for the retail purchaseof alcoholic beverages in the countrywhere the examination is being held,or be preparing for the examinationas part of a recognised full-timeprogramme of study, or haveobtained parental consent.

1.1.2 There are no restrictions on entry tothe Level 1 Award in Wine Servicethrough overlaps with other qualifi-cations or parts of qualifications.However, candidates will only beawarded this qualification once theyhave gained a pass in the Level 1Award in Wines or the Level 2 or 3Award in Wines and Spirits.

1.1.3 Students who are under the legalminimum age for the retail purchaseof alcoholic beverages in the countrywhere the examination is being heldwill not be allowed to sample anyalcoholic beverage as part of theircourse, but this is not a barrier tosuccessfully completing the qualifi-cation. Similarly, students whochoose not to taste alcohol forhealth, religious or other reasons willnot find this a barrier to successfullycompleting the qualification.


13Examination Regulations continued

• no reference is to be made to anymaterial, in whatever form, other thanthe restaurant menu and wine list, andinformation given by the assessor.

• no communication of any kindbetween candidates is permitted

• the use of electronic devices of anykind is prohibited

• the use of dictionaries of any kindis prohibited

• the use of audible “alarms” on anyclock or watch is prohibited

• candidates who arrive after thepublished start time may be allowedto enter the room at the discretionof the invigilator and only if othercandidates are not compromised

• invigilators have no authority tocomment upon, interpret, or expressan opinion on any examination ques-tion

• any candidate who is suspected ofmisconduct will be advised to leavethe examination hall immediately andthe assessor's report will besubmitted to the Examination Panelto determine its validity and any futureban on sitting papers.

• no examination paperwork is to beremoved from the examination hall.

5.2 Candidates also agree to abide by theinvigilator’s instructions. Failure to doso may render a candidate’s resultsinvalid.

5.3 The assessor’s report is the propertyof WSET® Awards and will not bereturned to candidates.

3 Reasonable Adjustments

Examination candidates who have specialexamination requirements, which are sup-ported by independent written assessment,are requested to contact the examinationsofficer at their APP in the first instance.Further guidance for examination officersand candidates is available from WSET®

Awards as required.

It is the policy of WSET® Awards that suchcandidates should not be placed at adisadvantage in the examinations.

Candidates are responsible for informingtheir APP of any such requirement beforeevery assessment.

4 Resits

Candidates may apply to resit if they areunsuccessful. There is no limit on thenumber of attempts that may be made.

Candidates who have passed units are notpermitted to retake them to improve theirgrade.

5 Examination Conditions and Conduct

5.1 It is a condition of entry that candi-dates agree to the following specificconditions:

• at the start of the examination allcandidates must supply the invigilatorwith proof of identity in the form ofphotographic ID

• the examination is to be completedin a maximum of 10 minutes


14 Examination Regulations continued

7 Student Satisfaction

Should any student have concerns thattheir APP is not providing the service thatthey expect, or is behaving in a way that isinconsistent with the standards required interms of administration, tuition or examina-tions they should first take this up withtheir APP. If this does not lead to asatisfactory resolution, students are askedto contact our Quality Assurance Manager,John Townley, by email [email protected]. Please note that allcomplaints will be dealt with confidentially,but WSET® Awards cannot act onanonymous complaints.

8 WSET® Awards Regulations

WSET® Awards reserves the right to addto, or alter, any of these regulations as itthinks fit.

6 Examination Feedback, Enquiries

and Appeals

Candidates requiring feedback and/or anenquiry (re-mark) on their examinationshould contact their APP and request anApplication Form for Feedback andEnquiries Against Examination Results.The form must be completed and submit-ted to WSET® Awards along with theappropriate fee within 6 weeks of the dateof the examination. Any request receivedoutside of this time frame will not bereviewed. Feedbacks and enquiries will beissued within 1-2 weeks of receipt byWSET® Awards.

Any candidate unsatisfied with the resultof an enquiry of an examination shouldcontact the APP and request an Appealagainst Examination Results ApplicationForm, which must be completed andreturned to WSET® Awards, together withthe appropriate fee, no more than 10working days following notification of theenquiry decision. Appeals received outsideof this time frame will not be reviewed.Appeals will be issued within 1-2 weeksof receipt by WSET® Awards.


15Notes


16 Notes


Wine and Spirit Education Trust39-45 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF United KingdomEmail: [email protected]: www.wsetglobal.com

© Wine & Spirit Education Trust 2011

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, withoutthe prior permission in writing from the publishers.

Design and artwork by Design Study Limited 020 8763 2582


To obtain a list of Approved Programme Providers (APPs) closest to you,where you can study or sit an examination, please see the WSET® website: www.wsetglobal.com

To obtain the APP Registration Pack, a copy of our Diversity and Equality Policyand our Customer Service StatementContact John Townley

Tel: +44 (0)20 7089 3843email: [email protected]

WSET® Contacts

Wine & Spirit Education TrustInternational Wine & Spirit Centre • 39-45 Bermondsey Street • London • SE1 3XF • United Kingdom

For any other enquiries, pleasesee the WSET® website:www.wsetglobal.com

or contact WSET® Awards

Tel: +44 (0)20 7089 3840Fax: +44 (0)20 7089 3846email: [email protected]

Wine & Spirit Education Trust

International Wine & Spirit Centre39-45 Bermondsey StreetLondon SE1 3XF

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7089 3800

Fax: +44 (0)20 7089 3847

email: [email protected]

website: www.wsetglobal.com

WSET® gratefully acknowledges the support of the following CORPORATE PATRONS in helping to promote excellence in wineand spirit product training and qualifications:

SILVER Patrons

BRONZE Patrons

GOLD Patrons


Documents

Specification for the WSET Level 1 Foundation...The WSET®Level 1 Award in Wine Service 7 Qualification aims The Level 1 Wine Service course is for those preparing for, or employees