Overview

Topics covered

• Food commodities

• Principles of nutrition

• Diet and good health

• The science of food

• Where food comes from

• Cooking and food preparation

Assessments

Component 1 – Principle of Food Preparation and Nutrition- Written Examination 1 hour 45 minutes

50% of the qualification

This component will consist of two sections both containing compulsory questions and will assess the six areas of content as listed in the specified GCSE content.

Section A: questions based on stimulus material.

Section B: structured, short and extended response questions to assess content related to food preparation and nutrition.

Component 2- Principles of Food Preparation and Nutrition in action- Non Examination Assessment

50% of the qualification

• Assessment 1- 8 hours

A scientific food investigation which will assess the learner's knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to scientific principles underlying the preparation and cooking of food.

• Assessment 2- 12 hours

Prepare, cook and present a menu which assesses the learner’s knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food.

FAQs

Do I have to be good at cooking?

• It is helpful but the willingness to improve your cooking skills is more important. Any opportunity you have to cook at home will also build up your confidence too. 

Is there a lot of practical work?

• You will be cooking quite a bit - nearly once a week - as there will be different topic areas, technical skills that you will need to develop, and learn through the making of the dishes, it will also include sensory testing. In year 11 you will have to complete 2 practical NEAs that contribute 50% of your final grade. 

What if I have an allergy to a food group?

• You will still be able to study the course but you will need to inform your class teacher so that they know this information. If you don’t like a particular food you will still need to have a knowledge and understanding of how these are prepared and cooked.

How will I be assessed at the end to achieve my final grade?

• You will complete a 1hr 45mins exam worth 50% and 2 NEA tasks worth a total of  50%

  • NEA 1 worth 15% is a food investigation set by the exam board.

  • NEA 2 worth 35% is where you will research and test out set dishes to meet the exam board theme and then in a controlled environment you will cook 3 dishes/meals in 3 hours.

What exam board syllabus do we study? 

• Eduqas.

What can I do with GCSE Food Prep and nutrition? (in terms of A-levels, apprenticeships, careers etc)

• You can go on to study catering or hospitality at college or as an apprenticeship. Future careers the subject can lead to include a dietitian, food nutritionist, hospitality and catering, a chef, butchery and fishmongery, food production, marketing of food and running and managing a restaurant.