Food and Nutrition

The Food and Nutrition Department

In the Food and Nutrition Department we believe it is important for all pupils to learn about the relationship between food choice and health, in addition to acquiring the practical skills and confidence needed to cook successfully. In order to recognise the importance that the understanding of nutrition plays in leading a healthy lifestyle the department was renamed from Food Technology to Food and Nutrition.
 
Unlike many schools, the pupils at Frewen College are fortunate in that they have the opportunity to cook most weeks during years 7, 8 and 9. A practical approach is used to develop knowledge and understanding of equipment and ingredients, as well as improving self-confidence and organisational skills.

Key Stage 3

Throughout Key Stage 3 the pupils participate in the Active Kids
Get Cooking scheme and in Year 9 they follow the British Nutrition Foundation Food Life Skills course. This course provides opportunities for pupils to: 
  • have hands-on experiences with food, i.e. cook;
  • learn about and gain confidence in basic food hygiene and preparation skills;
  • learn about healthier eating through practical food work;
  • apply simple budgeting skills to food choices they make; 
  • work independently and in small groups to develop understanding of wider needs; 
  • become a better informed consumer.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 the pupils can opt to take GCSE Home Economics: Food and Nutrition. This course builds upon the work done in Key Stage 3 and covers four sections:
 

Nutrition and health - which requires knowledge and understanding of nutritional guidelines, energy from foods and the relationship between nutrition and health

  • Food choice – which requires the ability to make informed choices regarding a healthy diet, the effect of the availability of food products and personal preference
  • Food preparation, processing and safety – which requires knowledge and understanding of food preparation, processing and safety.
  • The role of the consumer – which introduces factors to consider when choosing goods and services in relation to food and associated equipment.

Charity events

Pupils enjoy raising money for charity through bake sales and raffles of decorated cakes. Recently we have supported the Macmillan coffee morning, Children in Need and the Blue Cross Tea Party. 
Pupils also participated very successfully in the baking section of the local horticultural show.