Page 15 - Pathways Booklet 2023 latest

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting, innovative and broad GCSE that covers a wide variety of topics
relating to food preparation, food science, nutrition and well-being.
In this course, you will learn to make connections between theory and practice so that you can apply your
understanding of Food Science and Nutrition to practical cooking. The course involves a mixture of both
theory and practical lessons, but most of the theoretical knowledge will be acquired through practical work,
practical investigation and experiments.

What will I cover in class?
You will learn challenging techniques, such as how to portion a whole chicken, fillet a fish, cook a variety of
complex pastry items, make fresh pasta and bread, how to thicken sauces and many other practical culinary
skills. You will also be required to present and style your food as your skills progress.
Food science is also a key element of this course. You will carry out a series of food science investigations
and experiments, to understanding the characteristics and functions of food components and factors which
can influence their composition and use.

What skills do I need to have?
You must enjoy cooking and have an interest in Food and Nutrition. Be aware that you may need to practise
dishes at home and that the course does involves written as well as practical work. Food Preparation and
Nutrition is not an ‘easy option’. It is fast moving, challenging and demanding, but is also exciting and
rewarding. If you enjoy Science and Food Preparation, this is the course for you!

How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through a formal written examination and two non-examined assessments {NEA}, which
must be completed in Year 11.

Written Examination (worth 50% of your final GCSE grade in total):
The written examination is 1 hour 45 minutes long and is worth 50% of your final GCSE grade. The exam will
assess you on anything covered within component 1 of the course:
• Food commodities
• Principles of nutrition
• Diet and good health
• The science of food
• Where food comes from
• Cooking and food preparation

Non-Examined Assessments (worth 50% of your final GCSE grade in total):
This is component 2 of your course. It consists of two non-examined assessments.

Assessment 1: This is an 8-hour food science investigation where you will be required to carry out a series
of food science experiments and produce a report of your findings. This is worth 15% of your final GCSE
grade.

Assessment 2: You will be required to plan, prepare and evaluate three separate dishes with
accompaniments (side dishes) in 3 hours, to a specific brief. This will also be supported with written work.
This element of the course will take 12 hours in total and is worth 35% of your GCSE mark.