Intermediate Pastry Certificate

Artistic decorative skills

• Ice cream & sorbet
• Variations on restaurant desserts
• Savory petits fours
• Introduction to bread-baking
• Mastering bavarian creams & mousses
• Caramel & nougatine
• Introduction to chocolate : tempering & dipping
• Techniques and creation: small cakes without gelatine and creative workshops around a modern tart with personalized dossier
• Chocolate decoration: in depth chocolate work (tempering and different decorations)  
• Festive Pièce Montée: nougatine, assembling around a cone, pulled and poured sugar, decoration with a paper cone (royal icing)

Demonstration classes are translated into English.
Intensive programmes have the same curriculum as the full length programmes. Since these programmes are accelerated, students can only take one discipline at a time: cuisine or pâtisserie. Scheduling is up to 6 days a week and 6-9 hours of courses daily.

In addition to onsite and practical courses, 8 videos per certificate are made available throughout the term for the student, i.e. 20 hours of digital pedagogy, integrated and available on the educational interface. The student will also benefit from theoretical course materials and videos of additional technical expertises.

Note: In the case of a full session, a waiting list is automatically opened. Please contact the admissions department: parisadmissions(@)cordonbleu.edu

Teaching methods

A multidisciplinary approach is used throughout the programme, and all of the modules leverage interactive teaching methods.

The Intermediate Pastry Certificate programme includes:

• Theoretical learning;
• Practical application;
• Development of the ability to work autonomously and responsibly.

Teaching methods include:

• Theory classes given by Le Cordon Bleu Paris Instructors and demonstrations led by both Le Cordon Bleu Chefs and guest Instructors to help students acquire practical methods.
• Online talks or demonstrations by Le Cordon Bleu Chef Instructors from around the world.
• Ongoing support from the Chef Instructors when appraising work.

The programme is centred around active student participation, both in real-life situations and simulated environments, notably to cultivate a responsible work ethic.

Assessment methods

Students are assessed based on the Learning Outcomes set for each module and on the programme’s cross-disciplinary Learning Outcomes.

An individual performance review is held midway through the programme to help students progress with their learning. The aim of this review is to pinpoint any difficulties and to assess the student’s current level of performance in relation to the work required and the knowledge and practical skills acquired.

Various methods of assessment may be used, including:

Written assessments: Examinations or quizzes where students are asked to give written answers to multiple choice questions, true/false questions, short-answer questions, long-answer questions or a combination of any of the above.

Practical assessments:

• Continuous assessment of progress: continuous assessment of work completed during practical lessons. The final grade is based on the cumulative grades awarded throughout the programme.
• Final practical exam: examination during which a series of tasks must be completed under supervision. Each student’s performance is evaluated against formal assessment goals, and a standardised grading scale is used to determine the operational skill level attained.

Portfolio: a written report prepared by the student, focusing on a dessert they have created and assessed by the student’s Point of Contact against a standardised grading scale.

• Presentation of a recipe data sheet.
• Presentation of an equipment list.
• Presentation of a pastry recipe time plan.

Students will be required to understand and apply what they learn in order to successfully complete the programme. Regular attendance is therefore a prerequisite for success.

Possible formats:

• Standard Format: 12 weeks, with approximately 18 hours per week, including around 9 hours of practical sessions.
• Intensive Format: 6 weeks, with approximately 36 hours per week.

Tuition: €11,100. Tuition includes application fee (€500), course content, uniform, equipment including Zwilling® knife kit, and activities (lectures, guest chef demonstrations, career day, educational tours, cocktail party)