Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Exam board: AQA
Course code:
8585

GCSE Food preparation and Nutrition 8585 | Specification | Specification At A Glance | AQA

For further information, please contact Mrs R McDonnnell: [email protected]

 

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this 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.

Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, or embark on an apprenticeship or full time career in the catering or food industries.#

Course Assessment

Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition

What's assessed
Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from Sections 1 to 5.

How it's assessed
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
100 marks
50% of GCSE

Questions
Multiple choice questions (20 marks)
Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks)

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

What's assessed
Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks)
Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task.

Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks)
Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task.

Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.

How it's assessed
Task 1: Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation

Task 2: Written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. Photographic evidence of the three.

50% of GCSE

Higher Education and Careers

Studying GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition opens up a wide range of exciting opportunities in both higher education and the world of work. The course provides a strong foundation in nutrition, food science, and practical cookery skills that are highly valued across many sectors.

The course also nurtures transferable skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career.

Higher Education Pathways: Students who complete this GCSE can progress to:

  • A-levels in subjects such as Food Science and Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or Health and Social Care.
  • University degrees in areas such as:
    • Food Science
    • Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Culinary Arts
    • Hospitality Management
    • Public Health and Health Promotion

Career Opportunities: This qualification can lead directly into apprenticeships or entry-level roles in the food and hospitality industries. Possible career paths include:

  • Chef or Pastry Chef
  • Nutritionist or Dietitian (with further study)
  • Food Technologist
  • Product Development Chef
  • Food Safety Inspector
  • Catering Manager
  • Hospitality and Events Coordinator
  • Food Blogger or Content Creator