GCSE Food Technology

GCSE Food Technology, often referred to as Food Preparation and Nutrition, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of food, cooking, and nutrition. The curriculum covers a range of topics, from practical cooking skills to the science behind food and nutrition. Several exam boards offer GCSE Food Technology qualifications, including AQA, Eduqas, OCR, and WJEC.

Curriculum Topics

The GCSE Food Technology curriculum typically encompasses the following key areas:

• Food, Nutrition, and Health: This topic explores the relationship between diet and health, covering macronutrients and micronutrients, dietary guidelines (such as the Eatwell Guide), and the impact of food choices on health and well-being.
• Food Science: Students learn about the scientific principles behind food preparation, including the functional properties of ingredients, cooking methods, and the chemical and physical changes that occur during cooking.
• Food Safety: This crucial area covers safe food handling practices, hygiene regulations, and preventing food spoilage and contamination.
• Food Choice: This topic examines the factors that influence food choices, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental considerations.
• Food Provenance: Students learn about the journey of food from farm to fork, exploring food production methods, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the exam board, but generally include a combination of written exams and practical assessments.

• Written Exams: These assess theoretical knowledge and understanding of the curriculum topics, often including multiple-choice questions and extended-response questions.
• Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): This practical component requires students to plan, prepare, and cook a range of dishes, demonstrating their culinary skills and applying their knowledge of food science and nutrition. A specific example from OCR includes dishes like Scotch eggs, Chicken Kiev, and Mushroom gougère.

This information provides a general overview of GCSE Food Technology. Specific course content and assessment details may vary depending on the chosen exam board. It is essential to consult the relevant exam board's specification for the most up-to-date information.