Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

Second Year: They work on a range of tasks including convenience food products and the
study of various types of staple foods e.g. pasta, noodles and bread. This is supported by
instruction on a range of more advanced food preparation and cooking techniques. Pupils
complete the Chef 2 Star Award through a pasta and sauce design activity.
Third Year: Pupils extend their First and Second Year work on the importance of proper
nutrition in leading a healthy lifestyle. They also look at prevention of food poisoning by
learning about the correct storage and preparation of food. Pupils develop their practical
skills further e.g sauce making, curries, pastry making, which prepares them for further
study at GCSE level. They complete the Chef 3 Star Award through a food-based design and
research activity linked to a specific country or culture.
What happens further up the school?
At GCSE, the AQA Food and Nutrition course is designed to investigate the relationship
between nutrition, diet, food choice and health. It develops pupils’ ability to make informed
choices regarding healthy diet and the effect of availability of food products. It also provides
them with the skills of an informed consumer when choosing goods and services.
The A Level course is academically challenging, with 60% controlled assessment and 40%
exam. It focuses on developing knowledge, skills and understanding of food, nutrition and
health. The AS course examines the welfare state, NHS, environmental issues, human
resources (food, housing and money management), equipment, consumer issues and food
safety. The A2 course comprises of nutrition (nutrients and meal planning) and new product
development in industry, together with key issues eg GM food and food miles, with the
opportunity to choose any area of interest from the AS or A2 specification for coursework.
Several trips are organised including Cadbury World and the BBC Good Food Show and
pupils attend talks by the Environmental Health Officer, Trading Standards Officer and
diabetic nurse.
What else do we offer?
There is a Creative Cuisine Club for First Years where they can try out interesting sweet and
savoury dishes. In a separate club there is an opportunity to learn cake decorating skills in
the Third Year. A club is also run for First Years where pupils get to make their own Christmas
cake. Pupils can even enter the SGS Masterchef Competition as well as other national food
competitions.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
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