(Eduqas GCSE)

Food Preparation & Nutrition

Key Contact: Ms Nicholls

CAREER OPTIONS

Chef, Teacher, Nutritionist, Dietician, Quality Manager, Product Development Scientist, Buyer, Public Health Advisor, Personal Trainer,

Butcher, Baker, Restaurant Manager, Food Scientist/Technologist, Food Lawyer

The Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE involves

learning about foods, cooking processes, the science

of food and understanding about nutrition, diets and

health. Students currently take part in one practical

cooking lesson and one theory lesson per week.

During the course students will develop a range of

cookery skills as well as knowledge and

understanding. Nutrition, hygiene, food productions, sustainable food production and chemical processes in cookery are also covered throughout the theory side of the course.

The theory content of the course represents 50% and

this is reflected in lesson time. Students are expected

to embrace the food science element, including

learning about farming, food production and nutritional / chemical make up of foods and cooking

processes. This means that it is far more academically challenging and also a really interesting and engaging subject, but one that is suited to students with an enjoyment of sciences as well as cooking.

Students should be under no illusions this is not an easy subject at GCSE level and will involve large

amounts of theory and written work.

Progress in theory and practical work is monitored

through continual assessment of class work, theory

tasks and homework.

Controlled Assessment 1 (15%)

Students plan and undertake a science experiment to investigate the chemical changes that occur in different food preparation / cooking processes.

Controlled Assessment 2 (35%)

Cooking exam

Students undertake a research project (both theory

and practical cooking) making dishes of their choice

based on a brief from the exam board. This culminates in a ‘MasterChef’ style cooking practical exam where they will be expected to prepare 3 dishes over 3 hours.

Written theory exam (50%) 1 Hour 45 mins

Covers the theory content learnt throughout the course.

A financial commitment to this course is essential.

Students will be expected to cook a range of products and components on a weekly basis.

You will enjoy and succeed in this course if you have a keen interest in preparing food and learning about food.

Whilst this course provides plenty of opportunities to learn culinary skills such as:

knife control
heat control
safe food handling
various cooking and baking techniques
food styling and presentation

You will also be using and developing:

organisational skills
time management
problem solving
creativity
multi-tasking skills
analytical skills
resilience
flexibility
written and verbal communication skills