Food & Nutrition at The Levels School
The preparation of food is an essential life skill for all. At KS2 and KS3, students at The Levels School will have a six-week programme of study to give confidence and strategies to prepare food for themselves in our fully equipped kitchen. At all key stages, there is a strong emphasis on promoting hygiene, a well-balanced diet and good kitchen practice. Students will start at KS2, practising cutting, spreading, pouring, grating and toasting. Preparation skills are extended at KS3 where students learn to use the oven and hob safely, alongside investigating ingredients and tastes from around the world to extend their interest and palate. Year 9 introduces some of the GCSE curriculum skills, with students linking foods to health and lifestyle. This gives them a head start should they choose to study Food Preparation and Nutrition at GCSE.
Key Stage Two
KS2 students are taught in two classes, the Swallowtails and the Skippers. Food Skills is taught to the two classes separately in different half-terms during time otherwise allocated to science lessons.
Key Stage Three
Food Skills is taught in KS3 separately in different half-terms during time otherwise allocated to science lessons.
GCSE
At The Levels School, food & nutrition is an option which any student may choose to take at KS4. We offer AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. The GCSE teaches the following skills:
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Food, nutrition and health
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Food science
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Food safety
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Food choice
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Food provenance
Exam: Food Preparation & Nutrition
There is one exam at the end of the 2 years study, which is worth 50% of the total GCSE. The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes long and assesses all five of the skills listed above.
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There are some multiple choice questions in addition to questions which require written answers.
Holiday Activities
If you're looking to support your child's food skills studies at home, try the following activities:
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Cook and bake with your children, and encourage them to get involved in all stages of food preparation and cooking.
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Involve children in planning grocery shopping and in weekly meal planning. Encourage children to consider how to ensure a balanced diet over the course of the week.
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Watch cooking shows, such as Great British Bake Off or Nadiya's Time to Eat. You could ask your children which recipes they want to try cooking, and then have a go at them!
