Food Technology at Westfield Academy 

‘The ability to feed ourselves is one of the basic necessities of life.’

This statement makes the Food Preparation and Nutrition curriculum an essential and yet enjoyable curriculum to deliver. It is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which fosters important life skills, creativity, imagination, appreciation and independence. Our intent is to ignite a passion in our students and the skills needed to plan & prepare a variety of healthy nutritious meals / dishes that meet the needs of individuals and their families, whilst flourishing and solving real and relevant diet problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own needs and the needs of others’, wants and values. Our students learn to become resourceful, innovative and capable citizens.

The department aims to foster a love of cooking and promote confidence in our students' ability to prepare a range of healthy and nutritious meals for themselves and their families. The programme of study at KS3 equips students with a range of skills including; organisation, independence, thinking / decision-making, creative and innovative skills to make informed decisions about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways, where opportunities for challenge are embraced.

A high quality Food and Nutrition education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth, health and wellbeing of the nation, and through evaluation of products, students develop a critical understanding of their impact on daily life and the wider world.

Food is a vital part of our daily lives and is absolutely essential for life. As our students develop to become young adults, it is imperative that they acquire the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make healthy food & lifestyle choices. At KS3 and 4 students will develop their knowledge and understanding of nutrition, healthy eating, food preparation, hygiene, cooking techniques, and sensory characteristics.

The AQA GCSE in food preparation and nutrition allows students to demonstrate their creativity through cookery. Students are given the opportunity to test foods already on the market, make changes to existing recipes and try those out and also be able to create their own dishes based around a theme. Students are encouraged to use their sight, sound, smell, taste and feel for food to evaluate and discuss dishes.

Our curriculum exposes our students to a wide range of experiences that goes beyond the classroom to enhance their learning journey by partaking in extracurricular clubs, such as the Food club and taking part in external competitions such as the Rotary young chef competition.

Our hope is that, through Food Preparation and Nutrition, students are provided with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety that food adds to life. Students go on to further their studies in professional cookery courses and can pursue careers in the hospitality and catering industry.