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[[File:IMG 20190331 160603503.jpg|thumb|293x293px]]
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[[File:He food group banner.jpg|alt=|right|frameless|336x336px]]
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[https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-8585 AQA], [https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/food-preparation-and-nutrition-gcse/#tab_keydocuments Eduqas] and [https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-j309-from-2016/ OCR] offer GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition. They are all 50% assessed by NEAs which means they are very difficult for home educators to access. AQA states in the specification that it is not available to private candidates. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is available through Tutors and Exams if you are studying with one of their two approved learning partners. More details are below.
⚫
=== Classes and online courses ===
  
⚫
Courses in food tech, nutrition or cookery can help to build a portfolio showing your commitment to the subject, whether they are carried out online or face-to-face. There are plenty of self-directed courses available online, eg free online courses in [https://alison.com/courses?&category=food-and-beverage Food and Nutrition on Alison.com] .
 
   
  +
Many students opt for alternative qualifications or portfolios relating to cookery. There are suggestions below.
⚫
[https://www.technologytriumphs.co.uk/ Distance Learning Accredited Level 2 NCFE qualification in Creative Craft Cookery]. Offered by Technology Triumphs, an organisation which has been providing classes for home-educated children in Kent and has now expanded to distance learning. Assessment is by portfolio evidenced by photos.
 
   
  +
== <big>OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition</big>==
−
Note that GCSE alternatives may not count as a GCSE for college entrance requirements, so be cautious if you're considering paying for a course. It's entirely up to each college. Courses can be good experience and an excellent way to show that you've shown sustained interest in the subject and are capable of starting at a higher level, but if a college says they want 4 GCSEs for you to get on a course - they generally require GCSEs or IGCSEs. They may consider an accredited Level 1 or Level 2 qualification towards their GCSE requirements, but it's important that you check this first.
 
  +
[https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-j309-from-2016/ OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition page and specification]
   
  +
''GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is a very practical course which means it is difficult for home educators. Tutors and Exams offer this GCSE through one of two approved learning partners (see resources for details). If you find a tutor offering this GCSE, do check what the arrangements are for NEAs and exams before signing up with a course. It is '''essential''' to have an agreement between course provider and exam centre in place before you start studying.'' <blockquote>OCR says: "Our GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to feed themselves and others better. Students develop practical cookery skills and techniques as they explore the underlying principles of food science, nutrition, food traditions and food safety."</blockquote>Exams from: June 2018
⚫
=== Building a Food Tech Portfolio ===
  
  +
*Available in June
  +
*Specification code: J309
  +
===<big>Subject content</big>===
  +
There are 4 sections to the course:
  +
*Section A: Nutrition
  +
*Section B: Food: food provenance and food choice
  +
*Section C: Cooking and food preparation
  +
*Section D: Skills requirements: preparation and cooking technique
  +
===<big>Assessment</big>===
  +
There qualification is 50% practical assessments
  +
*Paper 1 - Food Preparation and Nutrition - 1 hr 30mins - 100 marks - 50%
  +
**Written examination paper with a range of question types
  +
**Covers all content
  +
*NEA - Food Investigation Task - 45 marks - 15%
  +
**Candidates are provided with two set tasks of which they must choose one.
  +
**Candidates are required to investigate and evaluate the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients identified in the set tasks.
  +
**Candidates are required to produce a written report of 1500–2000 words.
  +
**Photographs and/or visual recordings must be provided that support the investigation.
  +
*NEA - Food Preparation Task - 3hrs - 105 marks - 35%
  +
**Candidates are required to prepare, cook and present a menu of three complete dishes within a single period of no more than 3 hours.
  +
**Candidates are required to produce evidence to explain the planning, preparation, execution and evaluation of the menu and to demonstrate the application of technical skills.
  +
===<big>Resources</big>===
  +
  +
==== Course providers ====
  +
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition must be done through a course provider who has a partnership with an exam centre. Currently the following providers are known to to offer this GCSE as a one year course, with weekly lessons online and 2 practical NEAs which candidates have to attend their premises for (one in November/December and the other in February/March). A written exam is taken in June at Tutors and Exams exam centres.
  +
  +
[https://thefarmcookeryschool.co.uk/ The Farm Cookery School], based in Wiltshire
  +
  +
[https://worshipworthexperiences.co.uk/ Worship Worth Experiences], located near Sutton Coldfield
  +
  +
==== Textbooks and other resources ====
  +
[https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/subjects/general/products/key-stage-4-14/ocr-gcse-food-preparation-and-nutrition OCR Food Preparation and Nutrition Student Book]
  +
  +
[https://zigzageducation.co.uk/synopses/8227-course-companions-ocr-gcse-food-prep-nutrition?pod=8017 Course companion from Zigzag Education]
  +
  +
[https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/subjects/food-preparation-and-nutrition/products/general/my-revision-notes-ocr-gcse-food-preparation-and-nu My Revision Notes: OCR Food Prep]
  +
  +
OCR have lots of free [https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-j309-from-2016/planning-and-teaching/ topic packs and resources]
  +
  +
Written for a different spec but [https://resources.eduqas.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=52&lvlId=2 Eduqas resources] are worth exploring
  +
  +
Sample papers, along with exemplars and previous NEA tasks can be found [https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-j309-from-2016/assessment/ here]. Past papers and mark schemes are available freely online [https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/food-preparation-and-nutrition-gcse-revision/gcse-food-preparation-and-nutrition-past-papers/ocr-gcse-food-preparation-and-nutrition-past-papers?fbclid=IwAR07t6DgOvJubrEfH8r67yy3Bw566vDah_UViV9z4mzpqhPZ-FoqJk0jqZc here].
  +
  +
==== Comments from HE parents who have done this GCSE ====
  +
"This is an intensive course. If you want to prepare in advance then download the practical skills list from the OCR spec and practice them at home during regular cooking. You can usually obtain the coursebook cheaply secondhand and do some of the more fun practical activities at home yourselves. I'd also suggest familiarising your child with the scientific method as designing your own scientific experiment with food is what NEA1 focuses on. The British Nutrition Foundation has an excellent [https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/ website] where you can learn more about food preparation and nutrition in general."
  +
  +
==NCFE Level 1 or 2 in Creative Craft==
  ⚫
These are a popular alternative to the GCSE. Offered by [https://www.technologytriumphs.co.uk/ Technology Triumphs], an organisation which has been providing courses for home-educated and EOTAS learners and is able provide to distance learning based qualifications across the country. Assessment is by portfolio evidenced by photos.
  +
  +
Specifications for the qualification are linked below. It is possible to do general NCFE Creative Craft or a particular route. Technology Triumphs offer both Leve 1 and Level 2 (GCSE level difficulty) for Cookery or Cake Decorating as well as other creative pathways.
  +
  +
[https://www.qualhub.co.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-1-award-in-creative-craft-art-and-design-4097 NCFE Level 1 Award in Creative Craft]
  +
  +
[https://www.qualhub.co.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-2-certificate-in-creative-craft-4397 NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creative Craft]
  +
  +
''You should always contact your intended college/provision to see if they are willing to accept these qualification in place of GCSE. Many are willing but it is encouraged to receive this confirmation in writing and contact them before committing to an alternative provider course.''
  +
==Alternatives==
  +
Alternatives which you can do from home education:
  +
  +
*Build a food tech portfolio with photos of meals you have prepared and write-ups,
  +
*Food hygiene certificates can be taken online from home, are cheap, and demonstrate some commitment.
  +
*Distance-learning courses or free online courses in food and cookery
  +
*Local businesses will often run courses for the public, such as an artisan bakery
  +
  ⚫
===Classes and online courses===
  ⚫
Courses in food tech, nutrition or cookery can help to build a portfolio showing your commitment to the subject, whether they are carried out online or face-to-face. There are plenty of self-directed courses available online, eg free online courses in [https://alison.com/courses?&category=food-and-beverage Food and Nutrition on Alison.com] or [https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/creative-arts-and-media-courses/cooking Cooking Courses on FutureLearn].
  +
  +
Face to face classes may have age restrictions, but these can sometimes be waived if accompanied by an adult.
  +
  +
Local councils may offer Food Hygiene certificates or they can be studied [https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/courses/food-hygiene/ online].
  +
  ⚫
===Building a Food Tech Portfolio===
 
Plan your own menus and cook the dishes. Take photos. Write up what you did. You could follow the format of the [https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-8585 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition] project from AQA, for example. This gives you a portfolio which you can show to college tutors to demonstrate your commitment to the subject.
  
Plan your own menus and cook the dishes. Take photos. Write up what you did. You could follow the format of the [https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-8585 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition] project from AQA, for example. This gives you a portfolio which you can show to college tutors to demonstrate your commitment to the subject.
−
=== College at 14-16 ===
 +
===College at 14-16===
 
Some colleges accept 14-16 year-olds to study vocational subjects, which may include catering or food tech. What's available varies by area, but it can include:
 
Some colleges accept 14-16 year-olds to study vocational subjects, which may include catering or food tech. What's available varies by area, but it can include:
−
==== Part-time classes for home-educated teenagers ====
 +
====Part-time classes for home-educated teenagers====
−
Any Further Education college can accept home-ed teenagers to fill empty places in its classes part-time, but many aren't aware of this. See [[College]] for details. Once you've read this, you could contact the catering department of your local college and ask to speak to the course tutors. If they are prepared to accept your child on to the course part-time, you can then approach the administrative department with the funding information on the page above.
+
Any Further Education college can accept home-ed teenagers to fill empty places in its classes part-time, but many aren't aware of this. See [[College for 14-16 year olds]] for details. Once you've read this, you could contact the catering department of your local college and ask to speak to the course tutors. If they are prepared to accept your child on to the course part-time, you can then approach the administrative department with the funding information on the page above.
−
==== Full-time college at 14-16 ====
 +
====Full-time college at 14-16====
−
A small number of Further Education colleges nationwide offer a full-time course for 14-16 year-olds who would otherwise be at school. Colleges have to meet certain conditions to be allowed to do this and it is a major undertaking for them. You can read more about the differences between this scheme and the home-ed part-time scheme on the [[College]] page. A [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-time-enrolment-of-14-to-16-year-olds-in-further-education-and-sixth-form-colleges#enrol-14 list of the colleges which currently offer 14-16 recruitment] is available via the Department for Education.
+
A small number of Further Education colleges nationwide offer a full-time course for 14-16 year-olds who would otherwise be at school. Colleges have to meet certain conditions to be allowed to do this and it is a major undertaking for them. You can read more about the differences between this scheme and the home-ed part-time scheme on the [[College for 14-16 year olds]] page. A [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/full-time-enrolment-of-14-to-16-year-olds-in-further-education-and-sixth-form-colleges#enrol-14 list of the colleges which currently offer 14-16 recruitment] is available via the Department for Education.
   
−
=== Apprenticeships ===
 +
===Apprenticeships===
 
Apprenticeships are strictly for ages 16+ and there are many available in catering, with large chain firms more likely to offer a structured education and career path. Some catering employers offer a full range of apprenticeships all the way up to a degree apprenticeship - read about them on the [[Apprenticeships]] page.   
  
Apprenticeships are strictly for ages 16+ and there are many available in catering, with large chain firms more likely to offer a structured education and career path. Some catering employers offer a full range of apprenticeships all the way up to a degree apprenticeship - read about them on the [[Apprenticeships]] page.   
   
 
Some colleges offer 'pre-apprenticeship' courses, which are intended to build up skills for people who want to be apprentices but aren't ready for a job yet. These are usually aimed at ages 16+.  
  
Some colleges offer 'pre-apprenticeship' courses, which are intended to build up skills for people who want to be apprentices but aren't ready for a job yet. These are usually aimed at ages 16+.  
  +
[[Category:Subjects]]
  +
[[Category:Alternative Qualifications]]

Latest revision as of 14:19, 25 October 2023

He food group banner

AQA, Eduqas and OCR offer GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition. They are all 50% assessed by NEAs which means they are very difficult for home educators to access. AQA states in the specification that it is not available to private candidates. OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is available through Tutors and Exams if you are studying with one of their two approved learning partners. More details are below.

Many students opt for alternative qualifications or portfolios relating to cookery. There are suggestions below.

OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

OCR GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition page and specification

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is a very practical course which means it is difficult for home educators. Tutors and Exams offer this GCSE through one of two approved learning partners (see resources for details). If you find a tutor offering this GCSE, do check what the arrangements are for NEAs and exams before signing up with a course. It is essential to have an agreement between course provider and exam centre in place before you start studying.

OCR says: "Our GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition equips students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to feed themselves and others better. Students develop practical cookery skills and techniques as they explore the underlying principles of food science, nutrition, food traditions and food safety."

Exams from: June 2018

  • Available in June
  • Specification code: J309

Subject content

There are 4 sections to the course:

  • Section A: Nutrition
  • Section B: Food: food provenance and food choice
  • Section C: Cooking and food preparation
  • Section D: Skills requirements: preparation and cooking technique

Assessment

There qualification is 50% practical assessments

  • Paper 1 - Food Preparation and Nutrition - 1 hr 30mins - 100 marks - 50%
    • Written examination paper with a range of question types
    • Covers all content
  • NEA - Food Investigation Task - 45 marks - 15%
    • Candidates are provided with two set tasks of which they must choose one.
    • Candidates are required to investigate and evaluate the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients identified in the set tasks.
    • Candidates are required to produce a written report of 1500–2000 words.
    • Photographs and/or visual recordings must be provided that support the investigation.
  • NEA - Food Preparation Task - 3hrs - 105 marks - 35%
    • Candidates are required to prepare, cook and present a menu of three complete dishes within a single period of no more than 3 hours.
    • Candidates are required to produce evidence to explain the planning, preparation, execution and evaluation of the menu and to demonstrate the application of technical skills.

Resources

Course providers

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition must be done through a course provider who has a partnership with an exam centre. Currently the following providers are known to to offer this GCSE as a one year course, with weekly lessons online and 2 practical NEAs which candidates have to attend their premises for (one in November/December and the other in February/March). A written exam is taken in June at Tutors and Exams exam centres.

The Farm Cookery School, based in Wiltshire

Worship Worth Experiences, located near Sutton Coldfield

Textbooks and other resources

OCR Food Preparation and Nutrition Student Book

Course companion from Zigzag Education

My Revision Notes: OCR Food Prep

OCR have lots of free topic packs and resources

Written for a different spec but Eduqas resources are worth exploring

Sample papers, along with exemplars and previous NEA tasks can be found here. Past papers and mark schemes are available freely online here.

Comments from HE parents who have done this GCSE

"This is an intensive course. If you want to prepare in advance then download the practical skills list from the OCR spec and practice them at home during regular cooking. You can usually obtain the coursebook cheaply secondhand and do some of the more fun practical activities at home yourselves. I'd also suggest familiarising your child with the scientific method as designing your own scientific experiment with food is what NEA1 focuses on. The British Nutrition Foundation has an excellent website where you can learn more about food preparation and nutrition in general."

NCFE Level 1 or 2 in Creative Craft

These are a popular alternative to the GCSE. Offered by Technology Triumphs, an organisation which has been providing courses for home-educated and EOTAS learners and is able provide to distance learning based qualifications across the country. Assessment is by portfolio evidenced by photos.

Specifications for the qualification are linked below. It is possible to do general NCFE Creative Craft or a particular route. Technology Triumphs offer both Leve 1 and Level 2 (GCSE level difficulty) for Cookery or Cake Decorating as well as other creative pathways.

NCFE Level 1 Award in Creative Craft

NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creative Craft

You should always contact your intended college/provision to see if they are willing to accept these qualification in place of GCSE. Many are willing but it is encouraged to receive this confirmation in writing and contact them before committing to an alternative provider course.

Alternatives

Alternatives which you can do from home education:

  • Build a food tech portfolio with photos of meals you have prepared and write-ups,
  • Food hygiene certificates can be taken online from home, are cheap, and demonstrate some commitment.
  • Distance-learning courses or free online courses in food and cookery
  • Local businesses will often run courses for the public, such as an artisan bakery

Classes and online courses

Courses in food tech, nutrition or cookery can help to build a portfolio showing your commitment to the subject, whether they are carried out online or face-to-face. There are plenty of self-directed courses available online, eg free online courses in Food and Nutrition on Alison.com or Cooking Courses on FutureLearn.

Face to face classes may have age restrictions, but these can sometimes be waived if accompanied by an adult.

Local councils may offer Food Hygiene certificates or they can be studied online.

Building a Food Tech Portfolio

Plan your own menus and cook the dishes. Take photos. Write up what you did. You could follow the format of the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition project from AQA, for example. This gives you a portfolio which you can show to college tutors to demonstrate your commitment to the subject.

College at 14-16

Some colleges accept 14-16 year-olds to study vocational subjects, which may include catering or food tech. What's available varies by area, but it can include:

Part-time classes for home-educated teenagers

Any Further Education college can accept home-ed teenagers to fill empty places in its classes part-time, but many aren't aware of this. See College for 14-16 year olds for details. Once you've read this, you could contact the catering department of your local college and ask to speak to the course tutors. If they are prepared to accept your child on to the course part-time, you can then approach the administrative department with the funding information on the page above.

Full-time college at 14-16

A small number of Further Education colleges nationwide offer a full-time course for 14-16 year-olds who would otherwise be at school. Colleges have to meet certain conditions to be allowed to do this and it is a major undertaking for them. You can read more about the differences between this scheme and the home-ed part-time scheme on the College for 14-16 year olds page. A list of the colleges which currently offer 14-16 recruitment is available via the Department for Education.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are strictly for ages 16+ and there are many available in catering, with large chain firms more likely to offer a structured education and career path. Some catering employers offer a full range of apprenticeships all the way up to a degree apprenticeship - read about them on the Apprenticeships page.   

Some colleges offer 'pre-apprenticeship' courses, which are intended to build up skills for people who want to be apprentices but aren't ready for a job yet. These are usually aimed at ages 16+.  

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