Curriculum overview for NCFE Level 1 / Level 2 Food and Cookery (2024-2025: Year 10 only)

Curriculum intent – the knowledge, understanding and skills that students will learn
During this two-year technical award qualification, students will focus on the study of food and cookery incorporating a key core of knowledge, with opportunities to acquire a range of practical and technical skills. Students will be introduced to the health and safety relating to food; nutrition and the cooking environment. They will gain an understanding of legislation in the food industry. Through practical and theoretical lessons, students will be guided how to identify and understand food provenance, understand the main food groups, key nutrients and what is required as part of a balanced diet. They will have the opportunity to identify factors that can affect food choice; explore recipe development and how recipes can be adapted; alongside being taught to understand how to cater for people with specific dietary requirements. Through practical experimentation, all students will be able to demonstrate menu and action planning; be able to evaluate and consider how to improve completed dishes, and apply practical skills and techniques. NCFE Food and Cookery Level 1/Level 2 is designed for students who want an introduction to food and cookery that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to students who wish to pursue a career in the food industry or progress onto further study.

Curriculum implementation – teaching, learning and assessment strategies
During the two-year NCFE Food and Cookery course, students are given the opportunity to gain the required skills to cook and apply their knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating. Lessons are taught in specialist rooms, allowing students to be part of active demonstration, alongside their own preparation and making activities. Students are encouraged to build upon their gained knowledge and understanding in the classroom, by cooking at home and reading around the subject area to further develop their understanding of the seven content areas. Year 10 studies will underpin students’ knowledge of these topics, enabling them to make connections between theory and practice, and to demonstrate their understanding through completion of the Non-Examined Assessment, before embarking on the written examination. 

Curriculum impact – intended outcomes for students 
The NCFE Technical Award in Food and Cookery is graded at Level 1 Pass/Merit/Distinction and Level 2 Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* (equivalent to GCSE Grade 8.5 to Grade 1). By the end of this course, students will have explored and understood a wide range of themes connected with food and cookery that can be applied to a variety of scenarios. With a strong practical focus, students have time to develop, practise and perfect a tangible skillset. These skills will be underpinned by a thorough understanding of the importance of safe hygienic working practices, nutrition, balanced diets, individual dietary needs, and factors that affect food choice. Students will develop their own personal interest and skills in cookery that will help them to prepare food that is healthy and nutritious. These vocational skills will help students to make appropriate food choices and provide a balanced diet for themselves and others. These skills can readily be transferred to further study or employment within the food sector. 

Course overview for NCFE Level 1 / Level 2 Food & Cookery (2024-2025: Year 10 only)
Exam board: https://www.ncfe.org.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-12-technical-award-in-food-and-cookery-973

Coursework: Yes – 60% 

Coursework (NEA) (60% of the qualification) 
The qualification has two assessments externally-set by NCFE: one Non-Examined Assessment and one written Examined Assessment. Only one attempt at each assessment is permitted. 
Completion time: 16 hours 30 minutes plus 2 hours’ preparation and research time. 

End of course examination (40% of the qualification)
1 hour 30 minutes 
The end of course examination is a terminal assessment and will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of all content areas