GCSE Food & Nutrition

GCSE Food & Nutrition

What is Food and Nutrition?

Food and Nutrition was formerly known as Home Economics. It builds on the academic and practical skills gained in Home Economics at Key Stage 3. There is a practical element to the course through which you will be given the opportunity to plan and prepare a wide range of dishes ensuring the development of independent practical skills. The theory focuses solely on food and nutrition, including nutritional guidelines and requirements, diet related disorders, preparing food safely and managing finances and resources when shopping for food. The subject is a good foundation for further study in the areas of catering and the caring profession. The ingredients for practical classes are provided by school but there is a charge for this.

What does Food and Nutrition involve?

The course is broken down into two areas of study:

• Component 1 – Food & Nutrition: The theory is delivered over the two years of the course. It builds on the nutrition basics covered in Key Stage 3 Home Economics and covers a range of topics, including; keeping food safe, shopping for food, individual diets, nutrients and their functions and healthy eating advice.
• Component 2 – Practical Food & Nutrition: One piece of Controlled Assessment will be completed during year 12. This involves planning, preparing and making a meal to meet a specific aim or dietary requirement

How is Food & Nutrition assessed?

• Component 1 – Food & Nutrition – One written external exam for 2 hours at the end of year 12. This is worth 50% of the GCSE.
• Component 2 – Practical Food & Nutrition – One piece of Controlled Assessment prepared by the student during class time, including written planning and a practical activity. This is worth 50% of the task

What can I do after this course?

This is a suitable option for those pupils intending to work in Catering, Tourism, Childcare or Health Care.