Food and Nutrition
All pupils study food and nutrition in years 7, 8 and 9. Pupils can then choose to take Home Economics (Food and Nutrition) at GCSE level. Home Economics is taught in a brand new and well resourced cookery room. Pupils also have access to computers in order to assist them with their coursework at GCSE level.
HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
The Home Economics Department aims to:
- Develop self-confidence and a sense of achievement through their practical work.
- To appreciate and respect their working environment.
- To encourage a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with the skills they have learnt leading into adulthood.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| Safety, hygiene, healthy eating, fruit, vegetables, function of ingredients | Safety, hygiene, bread making, nutrients, food labelling | Safety, hygiene, protein (meat), healthy eating, special dietary needs |
In years 7, 8 and 9 all pupils will gain an understanding of diet, health and food choices. Each course encourages and develops new life skills, in a practical hands on environment. Emphasis is also placed on food hygiene and the safe use of equipment. Homework is set most weeks and this also includes organising and measuring ingredients to bring into the next lesson. Pupil’s effort and progress in practical lessons as well as homework grades will determine their overall grade on their end of term report.
Home Economics Key Stage 4GCSE Home Economics – Food and Nutrition AQA 458S (exam code 4587)
| Year 10 | Year 11 |
|
Nutrition and health People and food needs Food and cooking Coursework |
Coursework Food hygiene and safety Food preservation and storage Factors affecting consumer choice |
In years 10 and 11 Home Economics focuses on:-
- Nutrition and Health
- People and food needs
- Food and cooking
- Food hygiene and safety
- Food Preservation and storage
- Consumer choice
GCSE home Economics enables learners to:-
- Actively engage in the process of Home Economics to develop as effective independent learners.
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of human needs within a diverse society.
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of relevant technological and scientific developments.
- Develop a critical and analytical approach to decision making and problem-solving in relation to the specified context.
- Examine issues that affect the quality of human life including an appreciation of diversity.
- Evaluate choices and decisions to develop as informed and discerning consumers.
Nutrition, diet and health throughout life:-
- An introduction to nutrition
- Macro nutrients
- Micro nutrients
- Diet and health
- Energy from foods
- Digestion
Nutritional, physical, chemical and sensory properties of food in storage, preparation and cooking:-
- Effects of storage on nutrients
- Food preparation and cooking
- Food additives
Techniques and skills in food storage, preparation and cooking:-
- Food storage
- Food preparation and cooking
- Cooking methods
- Recipe balance and modification
- Convenience food
Factors affecting consumer choice:-
- Social factors
- Economic factors
- Factors affecting meal planning
- Purchasing of food and equipment
- Advertising
- Consumer issues
Food hygiene and safety:-
- Food spoilage organisms
- Food poisoning organisms
- Safer food procedures
- Food packaging
Assessment
Unit 1 Food and Nutrition (written paper) 1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of total marks, 6-8 compulsory questions.
Unit 2 Controlled assessment (24-26 hours long) 2 tasks 45% Individual investigation 15% research task, 60% total marks to add to final exam.
Home Economics Club
All pupils in year 7-11 have the once a week opportunity to attend a lunch time club termly.
Master chef
In the autumn term all pupils in year 7-11 have the opportunity to take part in an Inter-house Master Chef competition. Pupils submit an entry form in which they have to design a two course meal. The most colourful, creative and skilful dishes will be selected to go forward into the final.
Using the Internet
The following organisations:-
British Nutrition Foundation, Food Standards Agency and Change 4 life Provide valuable information for research particularly at GCSE level.
Staff
Miss Wild - Bed(Hons) Mrs Busby – Home Economics Technician
Copyright
Towers Convent School
