Welcome, I am Mrs Vlastos and I am the Head of Department of Food Preparation and Nutrition here at CHS. Please start with the audio recording here to understand more about why you should consider Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE.
"I am glad I chose FP&N as I feel it has increased my knowledge of the needs for a healthy lifestyle that I can take with me when finishing school. I also feel I have learned a range of skills which are transferable to studying my other GCSE subjects which will benefit me in the future."
"While studying FP&N I have developed many skills that will help me in all aspects of my day-to-day life and in my future, at university for example. Not only have I learnt how to cook meals involving high level technical skills, it has also helped me improve my time management and organisation skills."
"My top tips for success in this subject at GCSE would be to be organised so that you don't miss out on any practical lessons for forgetting ingredients and to let your parents know in advance what ingredients you will be needing. I would also say that to be the best you can, you should practice at home too! This way you can be constantly developing skills as well as enjoying the food you make. Finally, I would say to ensure that you keep on top of the work set, this way meeting deadlines is easily achievable."
No, because the GCSE specification is taught from Year 9.
Yes, 50% of the GCSE is assessed through NEA (Non Examined Assessment) tasks.
Both NEA tasks are completed in Year 11.
NEA 1: (Food Investigation) is worth 15% of the GCSE.
NEA 2 (Food Preparation Task) is worth 35% of the GCSE.
Yes, there is a three hour practical exam as part of NEA 2. You need to independently make 3 dishes to demonstrate sophisticated technical skills such as filleting fish, making flaky pastry or making and filling pasta (e.g. tortellini).
Yes, you need to cook at home at least once a week to develop and consolidate the techniques taught in school: cooking is a skill and you only become proficient through practice.
Studying Food Preparation and Nutrition can link to a wide range of careers including:
Dietitian
Food technologist
Product development scientist
Food marketing manager
Nutritionist
Catering Manager
Chef
Molecular Gastronomist
Food stylist / photographer
Mrs Katharine Vlastos (Head of Department) email: katharinevlastos@chschool.co.uk
Miss Carrie Goth