Two months ago, I was in San Francisco for the WSET Nominated Educator Programme. I applied to teach WSET Levels 1 to 3, so in order to do so, I had to complete different Modules and meet certain standards to pass all the assessments. Being a WSET pupil, I began my studies with WSET Level 1 and completed the WSET Diploma (Level 4) earlier this year, I was very familiar with all terms, methods and conditions set by the WSET. However, we were trained to teach the new WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, and the program had changed dramatically from when I took the course back in 2013.

The new WSET Level 3 Award in Wines

This is a new qualification that will replace the Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits. The material was updated, the Spirits section was taken out of the qualification, and the method of teaching is different too. My colleagues and I were the first people to attend the Programme with this new method, and it was a very exciting week. During the classes, one of the assessors referred to an article written by Adam Chase. Adam manages Grape Experience in both San Francisco and Boston, and he is a WSET Approved Programme Provider. I completed the Diploma with him, and I strongly recommend his school for people in the Bay Area, Boston, or for those looking to complete the Diploma.

I took the liberty of asking him to submit his article here, so you can understand what has changed for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, especially with the Socratic approach of teaching.

Next WSET Classes in Miami

Here at Florida Wine Academy, we will teach the new WSET Level 3 in March and May 2017. You can apply now by clicking here:  https://floridawineacademy.com/product/wset-course-level-3-english/

The All New WSET Level 3 Certificate in Wine by Adam Chase

“This August, WSET will launch an all new Level 3 Certificate in Wine, and Grape Experience Wine & Spirit School will be among the first providers to implement the new course.  The new Level 3 is the most dramatic and best revision of this sought after qualification I have ever seen in my 20 years as a student and WSET provider.

Everything about Level 3 is new: the course program, textbook, exam, and even the suggested teaching method.  Gone are the days of the old WSET Advanced Certificate with its black and white books and formal lectures.  The new Level 3 is more relevant, interactive and designed to allow students to immediately put in place what they learn into their daily lives and work.

The new WSET Level 3 Certificate in Wine Materials

The new Level 3 utilizes the Socratic approach to teaching – a method familiar to people who have attended business or law school.  It is one of my favorite components of this new WSET course.  This approach focuses on giving students questions, not answers, to foster critical thinking. Team engagement and debate drives learning.  Teachers will guide students through material but the onus will be on each class member to explain thoughts, ideas and apply their own knowledge.”

Continue reading here http://www.grapeexperience.com/blog/2016/6/27/the-all-new-wset-level-3-certificate-in-wine