Food
All learners at Upton by Chester High School study food in year 7, 8 and 9 with the option of continuing to GCSE / Level 2 in years 10 & 11.
At Key Stage 3 in year 7 & 8 learners have a food lesson once a fortnight, and in year 9 they have a food lesson once a week.
During their time in Food, students will be introduced​ to a wide range of ingredients
through practical work, tastings and experimental tasks. They will learn how to produce a repertoire of products developing their knowledge and understanding of food ingredients, nutrition and hygiene and food safety rules.
Email the department: sieversh@uptonhigh.co.uk
Curriculum
Intent
The Food curriculum intends to develop learners who as part of their work with food, are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating.
Instilling a love of cooking in learners will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.
As part of their learning journey in food, learners will focus on the following areas: -
- Cooking
- Nutrition
- Ingredients
These areas will develop learners to:-
- understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health
- cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet
- become competent in a range of cooking techniques [for example, selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture, and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes]
- understand the source, seasonality, and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients
The competencies are progressive and cumulative from one age phase to the next and will equip the learners with what is required to develop their skills and knowledge to make and implement healthy food choices.
At Key Stage 4 the curriculum builds on the skills and knowledge and understanding learnt at KS3 to adequately prepare learners. Two courses are available at KS4 -
L1/2 Hospitality & Catering and GCSE Food & Nutrition.
All learners combine practical skill with the theoretical elements as outlined in the qualification specification.
All learners are supported through excellent learning and teaching and in some cases through additional support in the form of ingredients, subject specific books etc. Also, additional support after school and the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities and trips.
Food is a basic need for all and throughout the food curriculum we aim to develop learners’ knowledge and behaviour towards food, constantly enhancing skills in the preparation and cooking of a range of ingredients.
The curriculum offers many opportunities to develop a learners’ cultural capital in food lessons. These include working safely with food and equipment, food sustainability, food miles, seasonal foods, specific dietary needs, eating a balanced diet (Eatwell Guide), factors affecting our food choices and learners also take part in several sensory analysis activities. We look to broaden horizons so learners can embrace food as an exciting part of everyone’s life.
Key Stage 3
The KS3 curriculum is designed to develop learners knowledge and understanding of:
- The Principles of nutrition & health
- Cooking a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves & others a healthy & varied diet
- Becoming competent in a range of cooking techniques
- Understanding the source, seasonality & characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.
Key Stage 4
Learners are offered the opportunity to study :
L1/2 Hospitality & Catering - Eduqas
GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition - AQA
Enrichment
There are many opportunities for learners to engage in food beyond the classroom.
KS3 Cooking Club
Cheshire show trip KS4
Luxury Hotel visit & show around KS4
Homework
Key Stage 3 - 1 x 20 minute piece per fortnight
Key Stage 4 - 1 x 20 minute piece per fortnight
Key Stage 5 - Regular reading and past paper questions. NEA Completion.
Feedback
The Design Technology department follows the whole school feedback policy. Feedback is regularly given in lessons during retrieval practice and questioning. Written feedback is provided for specific pieces of work and assessments.
Assessment
Key Stage 3 assessment will be based on units studied by end of unit assessments, mid-yea and end of year assessments.
Key Stage 4 assessment will be based on examination board's past paper questions and follow the assessment calendar.
Key Stage 5 assessment will be based on examination board's past paper questions and follow the assessment calendar.
