WHAT DO STUDENTS LEARN IN FOOD PREPARATION AND NUTRITION IN KEY STAGE 4? 

The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Food and Cookery is designed for learners who want an introduction to food and cookery that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the food industry or progress onto further study.

The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Food is aimed at 14- to 16-year-olds studying key stage 4 (KS4) curriculum who are interested in the food and hospitality sector. This qualification is designed to match the rigour and challenge of GCSE study. The qualification is graded at level 1 pass/merit/distinction and level 2 pass/merit/distinction/distinction* (equivalent to GCSE grades 8.5 to 1).

It enables learners to develop their personal interest and skills in cookery that will help them to prepare food that is healthy and nutritious. These vocational skills will help the learner to make appropriate food choices and provide a balanced diet for themselves and others. These skills can readily be transferred to further study or employment within the food sector. This level 1/2 qualification is appropriate for learners who are looking to develop a core of knowledge and understanding of food and cookery principles and apply their knowledge through a series of practical tasks and by using a wide range of cooking skills.

HOW WILL STUDENTS LEARN IN THIS COURSE?

• Content area 1: Health and safety relating to food, nutrition and the cooking environment
• Content area 2: Food legislation and food provenance
• Content area 3: Food groups, key nutrients and a balanced diet
• Content area 4: Factors affecting food choice
• Content area 5: Food preparation, cooking skills and techniques
• Content area 6: Recipe amendment, development and evaluation
• Content area 7: Menu and action planning for completed dishes

This will be delivered through a combination of practical and theory lessons and students will required to provide ingredients when making

HOW ARE STUDENTS ASSESSED IN THIS COURSE?

The qualification has 2 assessments externally set by NCFE in Y11:

One non-exam assessment 60% of the technical award 96 marks

 The completion time for the NEA is 16 hours 30 minutes –  a combination of practical and written work internally marked externally moderated

 A different NEA brief will be released every September by the exam board

 One written examined assessment. 40% of the technical award

Written examination:

• 80 marks
• 1 hour 30 minutes
• a mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions

WHAT IS THE LEARNING SEQUENCE?

WHAT QUALIFICATION IS GAINED FROM WHICH EXAM BOARD?

NCFE

LINK TO EXAM BOARD SPECIFICATION

NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Food and Cookery (qualhub.co.uk)

HOW IS IT GRADED?

L1 Pass – L2Dist*

WHAT FURTHER EDUCATION AND/OR CAREERS CAN THIS QUALIFICATION LEAD TO? 

Learners could progress into employment or onto an apprenticeship. The understanding and skills gained through this qualification could be useful to progress onto an apprenticeship in the food industry through a variety of occupations within the sector, such as kitchen assistant, catering assistant, chef and sous chef. Learners could also progress into employment or onto an apprenticeship. The understanding and skills gained through this qualification could be useful to progress onto an apprenticeship through a variety of occupations within the sector, such as a data technician or IT support technician.