Cookery and Nutrition

Studying this subject builds creativity, practical skills, and an understanding of food science, setting our students up for a lifetime of good health and well-being.

Our specialist teacher Mrs Arundel leads our cookery and nutrition curriculum in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 including delivery of our GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, taking full advantage of our state-of-the-art cookery suite.

As part of the Key Stage 3 course, pupils carry out a range of different activities including practical tasks, written tasks, demonstrations and sensory evaluations. The course encourages learners to develop and modify basic recipes and evaluate their finished products, making suggestions for improvement each time they cook.

Our students also develop an awareness of safety and hygiene and develop good knife skills as well as the safe use of electrical equipment and the oven and hob. They also gain knowledge of the NHS Eatwell Guide and look at the need for healthy choices in their diet as well as looking at the importance of nutrients in their diet. During Year 9 pupils are introduced to Food Science and carry out tasks in readiness for GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition.

Pupils prepare a wide range of dishes and products during Key Stage 3, from chili con carne and spaghetti bolognese to risotto and ‘sweet and sour’, fruit crumble and muffins, pasta salad, kebabs, bread and pastry making, to name but a few.

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

This exciting and creative course focuses on practical cookery skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials.

Topics include:

• Food, Nutrition and Health
• Macro Nutrients
• Micro Nutrients
• Nutritional Needs and Health
• Food Science
• Cooking of Food
• Functional and Chemical Properties of Food
• Food Safety
• British and International Cuisines
• Food Labelling and Marketing
• Food Provenance
• Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Food
• Food Processing and Production

Co-curricular Activities

After school ‘Cookery Club’ for Year 10 is a session run once a week for girls to develop their cookery skills further, explore their creativity and create new recipes. It is also offered as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Year 11 follow a life skills course and get hands-on experience, with a short course in planning and cooking healthy dishes.

Practical sessions and baking competitions run throughout the year for all year groups, including our ever-popular cake contest.