Food Preparation and Nutrition
What do students learn in Food Preparation and Nutrition in Key Stage 4?Â
This exciting GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition equips students with an array of culinary techniques embracing different cuisines, along with important knowledge of nutrition, cultural traditions, food security and science. The subject has been created to inspire and motivate students, developing vital life skills and opening their eyes to a world of career opportunities. It gives them the confidence to cook with ingredients from across the globe, while recognising the importance of good nutrition, healthy eating and the science behind what we eat. Students develop knowledge and understanding of the functional and chemical processes, nutritional awareness and the opportunity to develop high level cooking skills.
How will students learn in this course?
Food preparation and nutrition skills – are integrated into five sections:Â
Food Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice, Food Provenance
All linked through hands on practical work, as making is carried out every week
How are students assessed in this course?
∙ 50% Terminal written examinationÂ
∙ 15%. Nea task 1: Food investigation – 10 supervised hoursÂ
∙ 35% NeaTask 2: Food preparation assessment – 20 supervised hoursÂ
For both NEAs the exam board sets and releases the tasks in Y11. Students will be assessed in knowledge and understanding along with practical and investigation skills. They will be required to prepare, cook and present three dishes with accompaniments within a single three hour examination session, planning in advance how this will be achieved. Students will need to provide ingredients and carry out regular practical work throughout Y10, to develop and practise their skills for this element
What is the learning sequence?
 | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 | Term 5 | Term 6 |
Y10
 Nutrition and commodities |
Proteins
Eggs  Food safety Methods of cooking and heat transfer |
Proteins
Meat Fish Alternative proteins  Fats and oils |
Carbohydrates
Starch Cereals grains Fibre sugar |
Vitamins and Minerals
Calcium, sodium, iodine, phosphorous A C D E K B1, B2, B3, B9, B12 Folic acid |
Milk and dairy
And water Milk Cheese Cream yoghurt |
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2 hour timetabled NEA practice  |
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Practicals |
Quiche Scotch eggs
Lemon meringue Swiss roll Pavlova Mayonnaise |
Fish cakes Fish pie
Portioning a chicken and choice of recipes Quorn and other vegetarian options |
Bread using yeast and soda bread
Pastry Pasta – ravioli Gluten free –Coeliac Sauce making |
Spinach and chickpea
Spicy lentils French onion soup Fruit recipe choices Jam making |
Yoghurt and cheese making
Custard Pasta frittata Welsh rabbit  |
Own choice recipes to meet task title
2 plus an accompaniment |
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Food Science  |
Food investigation
Coagulation  Emulsification  Foams  Meringue stability |
Food preparation
Ethnic meals  Investigation Investigate fats in pastry  |
Food investigation
Investigate flours in sauces and bread Gluten balls Yeast experiments |
Preservation methods
Freezing, pickling, jam making, canning, pasteurising, AFD . Â |
Food preparation
Healthy eating Menu planning Nutritional analysis Food for PC |
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Practice NEA 1 investigation  |
Y11 NEA
 Assessments   |
NEA1 investigation
 10 hours – 15% of grade Release date Sept 1st |
Food preparation
NEA2  20 hours – 35% of grade Release date Nov 1st |
Food provenance
  Revision PPE |
Food Preparation
NEA2 20 hours continued including 3hour practical exam |
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 Revision |
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What qualification is gained from which exam boardÂ
Qualification OCR exam board
- Food Preparation and Nutrition (9-1) – J309
Link to exam board specification
How is it graded?
∙ Single tier  Graded 1-9 with 9 being the highest grade
What further education and or careers can this qualification lead to?Â
Studying Food Preparation & Nutrition at GCSE opens the doors of countless opportunities for a career in the food industry.
Nutritionist    Dietician   Chef    Food Stylist     Food product developer
Food Teacher   Public health officer/inspector  Hotel and restaurant manager
Food journalist     Events planner      Food Scientist    Food photographer  Â
Baker  Microbiologist Radio and TV   Food stylist   Quality control   Taster    Â
For more information on food careers http:// tastycareers.org.uk/