Food and Nutrition
GCSE Food and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials.
This course enables candidates who enjoyed Food Technology at Key Stage 3 to move easily onto GCSE Food and Nutrition. Many of the experiences in KS3 are both reinforced and extended within this programme.
Commitment and a passion for the subject are essential to be successful.
Upon completion of the course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries.
In preparation for the course, students will have the opportunity learn a range of techniques and processes to broaden their skill base. They will work collaboratively and individually. Projects will include designing and making a range of products suitable for a Christmas Market, and designing products to meet specific requirements of clients and consumers.
Curriculum
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Aut.1 | 3 hours practical skills 2 hours theory |
Food Investigation Task begins |
| Aut.2 | 3 hours practical skills 2 hours theory |
Food Investigation Task ends |
| Spr.1 | 3 hours practical skills 2 hours theory |
Food Preparation Task begins |
| Spr.2 | 3 hours practical skills 2 hours theory |
Food Preparation Task ends |
| Sum.1 | 3 hours individual practical tasks with reference to NEA 2 hours theory |
Preparation for exam |
| Sum.2 | 3 hours individual practical tasks with reference to NEA 2 hours theory - mocks |
Assessment
Written examination (1 hour and 45 minutes): 100 marks – 50% of GCSE
Non-exam assessment (NEA): Two tasks – 50% of GCSE
• Task 1: Food Investigation – written or electronic report (1,500 – 2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.
• Task 2: Food Preparation Assessment – written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence.
Career Pathways
What does it lead to?
This is a full course GCSE and therefore leads, on a point score basis, to all further education school programmes.
Careers in Food and Nutrition include; food nutritionist, restaurant manager, kitchen manager, food product development and catering.
Career Options
You can watch a great series of videos of young people who are working in jobs that use food the BBC Bitesize website.
For example careers leading from this subject click here.