'Building a healthier tomorrow, starting with today'

Intent

Our aim is to cultivate student’s understanding of the vital role that food and nutrition play in leading a healthy lifestyle. 

• Exposing students to a diverse range of culinary experiences and educational activities. 
• Hands-on involvement in food preparation in which students not only learn practical culinary skills but also an understanding of the nutritional value of various ingredients.
• Equip students to make informed choices about foods they consume, enabling them to establish lifelong habits that contribute to their overall wellbeing.

Meta-concepts

The following meta-concepts underpin our curriculum:

• Characteristics- ability to recognise qualities or features of food or ingredients.
• Sustainability- promoting the use of practices that promote long-term environmental, social and economic improvements in food practices.
• Psychology- understanding how human behaviour, attitudes, and thoughts related to food choices and eating habits. 
• Nutrition- understanding the composition and functions of various nutrients and their impact on growth and overall wellbeing. 
• Decision making- ability to make informed choices about food based on various factors. 
• Physiology- understanding how the body functions and responds to the intake of food and nutrients. 

Food and Nutrition curriculum sequence

Implementation

Our Food and Nutrition curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.  Through the implementation of a spiral curriculum we introduce students to the fundamental concepts and skills of Food and Nutrition in KS3 and revisit them in subsequent years, with increasing depth and complexity. This approach allows students to build upon their existing knowledge and skills while deepening their understanding of the subject matter.

Key Stage 3 

In KS3, students participate in one term of Food and Nutrition as part of the technology rotation. This consists of three lessons  fortnight, including theory-based lessons, teacher demonstrations, and student practical sessions. 

Year 7- The year 7 curriculum considers students’ prior knowledge acquired in KS2 and other educational settings. It aims to expand and challenge their understanding of nutrition and health and safety, both in practical and theoretical contexts. Additionally, it exposes students to the impact of sensory manipulation in cooking and how this differs across different cultures and regions. 

Year 8- In year 8 the curriculum continues to develop students’ curiosity and enhances their understanding of the meta-concepts introduced in year 7, while introducing new additional concepts. Students actively establish connections between the knowledge and skills they acquired in year 7 and the new content presented in year 8. This approach enables them to recognise the importance of food as a fundamental element in fostering healthy habits and gaining an appreciation for diverse cultures. 

Year 9- Year 9 plays a pivotal role as an elective subject, where we consolidate and solidify students understanding of Food and Nutrition. By the end of year 9, all students will have acquired a deeper comprehension of the six meta-concepts that underpin the curriculum. Furthermore, they will possess the confidence to prepare and cook a wide variety of dishes. 

Key Stage 4

In KS4 Food Preparation and Nutrition is an elective subject with 6 allotted hours a fortnight. These lessons include theory and practical sessions.   

Year 10- In year 10 we promptly establish connections between the meta-concepts, aiming to foster a holistic understanding of Food and Nutrition. Practical lessons transition from focusing solely on dish replication to prioritising core skills that can be combined and adapted to create an array of dishes. 

Year 11- Building upon the foundations laid in previous years, year 11 students work independently to apply their comprehensive knowledge and refined skills in food preparation and nutrition. Students utilise their expertise of all six meta-concepts to meet the culinary and nutritional needs of others and themselves. 

GCSE specification- Food Preparation & Nutrition

Impact

By delivering a comprehensive education in food and nutrition, we equip our students with vital knowledge and skills that extend beyond the classroom and kitchen. Our students not only develop a deep understanding of the all facets of food preparation and nutrition but also foster a curiosity to explore, appreciate and try new cuisines. Irrespective of whether students opt for Food Preparation and Nutrition in KS4, our curriculum ensures that all students comprehend the significance of healthy eating habits for maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.