The Food and Nutrition department aims to foster enjoyment in the subject and provide pupils with the knowledge, practical skills and experiences which will be of value in their present and future lives.
In a modern, well-equipped room pupils study four key areas: Nutrition, Food Provenance, Food Science and safety and Preparation and cooking Techniques.
Food and Nutrition is a subject through which many skills can be developed. It is taught to all pupils in Years 7-9 and gives pupils an insight and understanding of how to prepare and cook a wide range of dishes and develop an understanding of nutrition and making healthy food choices. Pupils are encouraged to become confident working with food. They learn basic food preparation skills, processes and safety procedures whilst working with a range of ingredients and food preparation equipment. The lessons are taught using a variety of methods including individual and group work, discussion and problem solving. At GCSE we follow the OCR specification in Food Preparation and Nutrition.
Year 13 follow a short practical course within the enrichment programme where they brush up their practical skills in readiness for leaving home and prepare healthy, economical meals on a budget.
The annual Inter-House Bake Off Competition is taken seriously and each House is represented with participants from Year 7 to Sixth Form.
From Year 9 upwards, there is also the opportunity to take part in the annual Springboard FutureChef competition.