Food

Year 7

In Year 7 students will create a range of dishes by following simple recipes and learn basic skills. They will focus on preparing healthy and predominantly savoury recipes. They will develop knowledge of nutrition and the importance of balanced diet.

Year 8

In Year 8 students are taught skills that will allow them to become more independent in their ability to follow recipes and apply their knowledge and skills to successfully prepare healthy meals. By the end of the year students should be confident in the use of equipment and techniques used in the preparation of meals and they should be prepared for further development in Year 9.

Year 9

In Year 9 students develop their skills and knowledge in preparation for undertaking GCSE courses.  Recipes are more demanding and require a higher level of skill to complete and it is intended that these skills will form a foundation for their future eating habits. There are cross-curricular links and the technical content is more demanding.

GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
Why study food preparation and nutrition?
This is a course for students who have enjoyed cooking in Years 7, 8, and 9. It is for those who enjoy all aspects of being in the kitchen, but want to find out more about how the body uses the food we consume. The study of this GCSE will offer the chance to learn to cook with creativity and flair in the kitchen, acquiring new culinary skills whilst gaining a thorough grounding in nutrition, which underpins the health and well-being of us all.
 
Study of this subject will contribute to understanding and progression in subjects such as health and social care, sports science, even medicine, as well as the many, diverse catering courses available at post-sixteen. The food industry is the number one career destination for young people. However, learning how to cook is a life skill that brings economic resilience, through employment opportunities and the ability to feed oneself and family in a healthy way.
 
What areas would you study?
The specification offers an interesting and stimulating programme of study. Students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of human needs in a diverse society and to work in a variety of contexts.
 
The skills and knowledge acquired will be relevant and transferable to other settings, enhancing career opportunities and providing a satisfying course of study for candidates. It will provide opportunities to develop interdisciplinary skills, a range of key skills alongside imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence.
 
The specification uses a range of assessment techniques to enable students to respond through practical and investigative work. There will be a focus on developing skills in selecting and preparing ingredients and using a range of equipment and processes to produce high quality food products.
 
How are you assessed?
Examination: 40%
Controlled assessment: 60%
 
Where will this take me post-16?
It is a suitable qualification for those who want a broad background in this area and for those who wish to progress to further education. It will offer valuable preparation for those entering the world of work. It also provides progression to certain aspects of GCE health and social care.