Food Preparation and Nutrition

Component 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (1.5hr exam, 50% of GCSE grade)

Covering the computational principles that underlying coding solution including: Algorithms Programming techniques Programming robust programs Boolean logic Programming Languages

Students will also be given the opportunity to undertake a variety of practical programming tasks, the skills gained during which will be examined in Component 2.

Some students will go on to study Computer Science at A Level and beyond, embarking in a wide variety of careers ranging from software and games development to artificial intelligence to cyber security. Some will combine their abilities in Computer Science with other subjects they enjoy, for example, in helping to develop programs for gene research projects or mathematical models for economics. For others, simply having a deep understanding of how computer systems work is vital, especially as such systems become more and more embedded in both our home and work lives.

Enrichment

Students will be given the opportunity to take part in the Bebras computational thinking competition and may proceed onto the Oxford Computer Science Challenge depending on their progress. They will also have access to several different programming competitions throughout their two-year course.

Future pathways

Board: AQA Specification: 8585

Course Overview and Content

Why Study GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition?

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and popular course which encompasses many practical cooking skills. It aims to teach you all about food in its widest sense and help you to learn and develop a wide range of food preparation skills. It has been developed to help you understand: What food is composed of, why we need it and how it affects our long-term health. How food can be prepared and cooked skilfully, and safely to produce delicious and nutritious meals for different people and situations. What happens to the ingredients in food when you prepare and cook them. Where food comes from and how it is produced and sold. Which foods are eaten in different cultures throughout the world. How the food choices people make affect the health and well-being of themselves, their families and the people who produce the food. How the food choices people make affect the health and well-being of the global environment and its natural resources. How you can become an informed and thoughtful consumer of food.

Entry requirements

The key stage 3 curriculum at Ashford School has been designed to equip you with the skills required to access and achieve in Food Preparation and Nutrition at GCSE. Our most successful students will be creative, inquisitive and have an interest in nutrition, as well as a sound basic knowledge of Food Science, and the health, safety and hygiene rules, that are implanted when preparing any food. Students must enjoy the subject, have a good level of skill in cooking, and have an interest in the characteristics and properties of our food. Good analytical, design and evaluation skills are also an advantage.

Food preparation skills are developed and integrated into five core topics which include: food nutrition and health, food science, food safety, food choice and food provenance.

The specification consists of two NEA tasks and a written examination. These two elements have an equal weighting of 50% of the overall GCSE each.