Food Preparation and Nutrition

Course Information

Literacy ****
Numeracy *****
Communications ***
Creativity ***
Practical ***
Group Work ***
Examination Assessment 50%
Non Examination Assessment 50%
EBacc x
Examination Board WJEC EDUQAS
Course GCSE

General Information

The food course equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and creativity they need to prepare and cook a wide range of dishes.  Students study principles of nutrition, diet and good health, food science, food provenance, and cooking and food preparation. Pupils will be able to make informed decisions about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways and develop vital life skills so they can feed themselves and others.

Pupils learn a variety of practical cooking techniques to prepare and cook food whilst gaining a proper understanding of the scientific principles behind food and nutrition. The course allows pupils to show their creative flair when modifying recipes to improve their nutritional and sensory qualities. This GCSE promotes independent thinking, decision making, planning and organisational skills. Above all, it allows pupils to create a wide selection of delicious food products in a safe and hygienic way.

Expected Subject Content

A great deal of the course will be taught through practical sessions to ensure a greater understanding of the working characteristics of different food materials. The pupils will develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical processes as well as the nutritional content of food. Pupils will apply this knowledge in both practical and theory sessions.

Expected Assessment Requirements

All students will require to undertake two (internally assessed and externally moderated) practical assessments and an externally assessed written examination. 

GCSE Food & Nutrition – will be weighted 50% NEA (new term for Controlled Assessment) 50% written examination paper (1-9 Grades).  NEA 1 is released in September and is a food science experiment worth 15% of the overall grade.  NEA 2 is released in November and is a 3 hour practical exam with relevant research and evaluation worth 35% of the overall exam.

What careers it can lead to after leaving Swanmore College

Agriculture

Hospitality and catering

Teaching

Animal husbandry

Professional Cookery

Training

Aquaculture and fishing

Retailing

Advertising

Horticulture

Dietetics

Campaigning

Food safety and quality

Environmental health

Designing

Food science

Health and Social care

Food styling

Nutritionist

Research

Food writing

Primary processing and manufacturing

Resource production

Marketing

Visit tastycareers.org.uk