It’s been a productive and exciting year for our Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition students. Alongside developing a broad range of culinary skills and theoretical knowledge, they’ve also had a  masterclass on chinese cuisine and a sneak peek at their upcoming NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) tasks—laying a strong foundation for their Year 11 practical exams.

Most recently, students completed both the Food Science and Food Preparation tasks, culminating in a timed 2-hour practical assessment. For the Food Preparation task, students were set the challenge of planning, preparing, cooking, and presenting two Italian-themed dishes that are also healthy and suitable for one person.

In response to the brief, students have worked hard to research appropriate recipes that balance authenticity with nutritional value. Through a series of practice sessions, they’ve refined both their technical cooking skills, presentation techniques and knowledge of the science of food. This has culminated in their end-of-year PPEs (Pre-Public Examinations), where students showcased the final versions of their two chosen dishes under timed exam conditions.

As part of their assessment, they also produced a detailed, step-by-step time plan to ensure efficient use of time and resources during the practical exam.

It’s been a busy but rewarding journey, and the dedication and creativity shown by our Year 10 students have been truly impressive.