Hair & Beauty at Park Community School
Our Hair & Beauty Technical Award gives students an inspiring introduction to the world of professional salon work. Learners build practical skills in hairdressing, make-up, skincare and nail services while also gaining essential theory in science, client care, and working safely.
This qualification reflects what the industry expects from new applicants: creativity, professionalism, confidence, and the ability to work independently with real clients and real styling challenges.
Visit our Hair & Beauty learning spaces to see our students' professional work in action!
Intent
Our aim is to provide a rich, varied curriculum that enables every student to produce excellent work. Students are encouraged to stretch their creativity, problem-solve, and gain confidence through hands-on practical experiences in a realistic salon environment.
Learners will:
- Develop professional salon techniques
- Understand hair and beauty science
- Explore creative themed work
- Learn how to meet client needs effectively
- Build independence and resilience
- Develop communication and customer service skills
- Explore real career pathways within the growing beauty sector
Implementation
The course blends theory with practical activities across a range of hair and beauty disciplines. Students learn through demonstrations, structured practice, creative exploration, and real-life scenarios.
This includes:
- Practical hair styling skills
- Basic beauty therapy and nail services
- Client consultation and care
- Industry-standard health & safety
- Product and equipment knowledge
- Understanding salon businesses and job roles
The curriculum prepares learners for further study, apprenticeships, and direct employment pathways within the industry.
Areas of Study
Hairdressing Skills
- Blow-drying, styling and finishing
- Plaiting and twisting techniques
- Preparation and sectioning
- Understanding hair structure and types
Beauty Therapy & Make-Up
- Skincare routines
- Basic make-up application
- Manual techniques for application
- Nail shaping and natural nail care
Science Behind Services
- Hair and skin structure
- Cleansing, exfoliation and moisturising theory
- Effects of ingredients and products
- Healthy working practices
Client Care & Communication
- Professional conduct
- Client consultations
- Understanding salon roles
- Customer service expectations
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through a combination of:
Practical Assessments
Internal
Students complete practical tasks throughout the course, graded against City & Guilds criteria. These include hair finishing services, skin care routines, nail treatments, and make-up looks.
Written or Online Exam
External
Learners complete an externally set exam assessing their knowledge of the hair and beauty sector, science, client care, and professional expectations.
Synoptic Assignment
Theme or Era Based
The synoptic assessment is a major project where students bring together all the skills, knowledge, and techniques they have learned throughout the course.
- Work to a specific theme, concept, or historical era
- Plan and create a complete look (hair, beauty and design elements)
- Present a fully prepared model
- Justify product, tool and technique choices
- Demonstrate creativity, accuracy, and professionalism
- Evaluate their own results
Possible Synoptic Themes & Eras
The synoptic task mirrors real industry expectations, allowing students to showcase originality, technical skill, and their understanding of how to design and execute a full professional look.
- Ancient Greece
- 1920s Flapper Style
- 1960s Mod Looks
- Victorian Elegance
- Fantasy or Editorial Concepts
- Cultural or Artistic Movements
Further Study
This qualification prepares learners for the next steps in education or work:
- Level 2 Hairdressing
- Level 2 Beauty Therapy
- Level 2 Barbering
- Apprenticeships
- Further vocational qualifications
Career Opportunities
The Hair & Beauty industry offers a wide variety of exciting and creative career pathways:
- Hairdresser
- Barber
- Beauty Therapist
- Nail Technician
- Make-up Artist
- Spa Therapist
- Salon Manager
- Cosmetic Sales Consultant
- Freelance Stylist
- Skin Care Specialist
- Massage Therapist
- Salon Receptionist
Students leave equipped with confidence, creativity and foundational professional skills that are highly valued in the industry.