Lessons are based on the principals of healthy eating and being aware of the nutritive value of foods. If you enjoy being creative, understanding why different foods react during preparation and knowing the value of food in everyday life, then this subject is for you. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing your practical cooking skills to give you a strong understanding of nutrition.
Overview of Year 7, 8 & 9 Curriculum
In Year 7, pupils start off being taught basic food preparation skills and over the 3 years, they build up a large range of skills that they can use to produce high quality products. Examples of these skills include: breadmaking, pasta making, cake making methods, sauces, enrobing to name a few. Alongside these skills, they are made aware of Health and Safety when working with ingredients and equipment.
Overview of the GCSE Curriculum
The GCSE in this subject is Food Preparation and Nutrition and we follow the Eduqas examination board specification. The course is delivered via food commodities and when learning about these groups of foods, principles of nutrition, diet and good health, food science, food spoilage, provenance and food waste, cultures and cuisines, technological developments and factors affecting food choices are investigated. The practical aspect of the course complements and facilitates learning of the theoretical knowledge specified for the course.
Enrichment Opportunities and Trips
Extracurricular activities such as masterclasses are run throughout the year, examples being the tradition of making a Gingerbread house, Mussels meunière, Teriyaki salmon and noodles. Any interest shown by the students about a particular skill trend will be offered as a masterclass. Opportunities to visit London museums depends on the events or shows on offer as these change throughout the year. The pupils have also enjoyed foraging around the local environs in the springtime for edibles to make into a meal.
Students who show an interest and flair for food preparation are invited to participate in the Springboard Future Chef awards to showcase their skills and creativity.
