GCSE Food & Nutrition
GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
The new GCSE focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure that students develop greater understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At the heart of the qualification is a focus on developing practical cookery skills and a robust understanding of nutrition. The qualification brings together the most important elemenys of other food related courses under the umbrella of a brand new GCSE.
What will I Study?
The new Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE will help you to develop a greater understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. You'll also learn about food from around the world, through the study of British and international culinary traditions as well as developing an understanding of where food comes from (food provenance) and the challenges surround food security.
You'll master culinary skills and appreciate the science behind food and cooking. This is an exciting a nd creative course which will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills and make connections between theory and practice.
How will I be assessed?
There will be one exam for this qualification, which will assess your knowledge of the theory behind food preparation and nutrition. The exam will be 1 hour 45 minutes long. This will make up 50% of the overall grade.
The second part of the assessment will be non-examination assessment and will consist of two tasks, involving practical work.
Task 1 - Students will carry out an investigation into the scientific principles that underpin the preparation and cooking of food. this will make up 15% of the overall grade.
This task will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate you knowledge and practically apply your understanding of the science behind cooking. You'll practically investigate ingredients and explain how they work and why.
Task 2 - Students will plan, prepare, cook and present a 3 course menu. This will make up 35% of the overall grade.
This task will provide you with an opportunity to cook up a storm and showcase your creativity and cooking skills. You might make a street food menu, create delicious tapas dishes or cook up a menu for a student on a budget.
What skills will I learn?
This is a GCSE course with a strong practical focus. You'll master a variety of technical skills and become proficient in the kitchen. In addition, you'll develop an in-depth knowledge of food science, food safety, food choice, nutrition and health.
You'll also develop transferable skills such as:
Analysis
Evaluation
Communication Skills
Working Independently
Time Management
The ability to interpret information and data
Where will GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition take you?
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition will equip you to go on to further study. After taking this course, you could embark on AS or A-Level study, begin an apprenticeship or perhaps begin employment in the catering or food industries. You'll also have the knowledge and skills to feed yourself (and others) affordably and nutritiously for life.