Food and Nutrition
Developing skills and knowledge in food and nutrition is fundamental in supporting students to become healthy individuals for life.
During childhood and adolescence, requirements for nutrients are high, due to rapid growth and development. Dietary quality in UK teenagers is poor; they have more independence to make food choices, easier access to nutrient poor foods, coupled with a propensity to overeat foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
To support in mitigating these factors the scheme of work for KS3 is designed to give students the opportunity to explore a range of different food preparation techniques and recipes. Students are able to use a range of equipment and skills giving them the ability to adapt and develop recipes, therefore giving them the confidence to produce meals and snacks from scratch rather than buying processed foods that can be high in salt, fat and sugar.
We also follow the core food competencies set out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). The competences set out a progressive framework of skills and knowledge, which comprise essential building blocks around the themes of diet and health, consumer awareness, cooking and food safety for children and young people.
Should students wish to continue their interest in food and nutrition into KS4 we offer the AQA Food Preparation & Nutrition course at GCSE.
The course offers students the opportunity to develop practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. The 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
Level 3 Food Science and Nutrition is also offered at A Level which offers learners opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of the science of food safety, nutrition and nutritional needs of a wide range of contexts through practical and theoretical lessons.
