Food Preparation and Nutrition

The Course

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

Food, nutrition and health
Food science
Food safety
Food choice
Food provenance

Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study or embark on an apprenticeship or full-time career in food industries.

How are you Assessed?

Component 1: Paper1: Food preparation and nutrition

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes - 100 marks
50% of GCSE

Component 2: Non-exam assessment (NEA) - Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task- these two practical assessments are worth 50%.

Task 1: Food investigation
Students’ understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients will be tested in the form of a written or electronic report (1,500-2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.
Task 2: Food preparation assessment
Examines students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.

Opportunities

This course provides a suitable foundation for the study of academic or vocational courses in higher education, including careers in Food Sciences, Nutritional Science, Sports Science and Diet, Consumer Protection and Food Retail. Students will have ample opportunities to gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge throughout the course. There will be masterclasses from visiting head chefs as well as other health professionals. This course will equip students with essential life skills as well as opening up a host of potential careers and opportunities.