Food

The Food and Nutrition curriculum at Excelsior Academy equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed to make informed food choices and lead healthy lifestyles.

Using guidance from the Eatwell Guide and the Food Standards Agency, pupils develop an understanding of nutrition, balanced diets and the impact that food choices can have on health and wellbeing.

Our curriculum empowers pupils to prepare nutritious, affordable meals for themselves and others, both now and in later life. Alongside developing practical cookery skills, pupils gain a strong understanding of food hygiene, safety and responsible food preparation. Through a supportive and creative environment, pupils build confidence, resilience and independence whilst taking pride in their achievements.

Pupils learn to follow and adapt recipes, select appropriate ingredients and make informed decisions based on dietary requirements, allergies, ethical choices and healthy eating principles. The curriculum also encourages pupils to become responsible consumers by exploring wider issues such as food waste, sustainability, food provenance and food security.

Aims of the EA Foundations Food Curriculum (Year 7)

Food and Nutrition is introduced in Year 7 as part of the EA Foundations curriculum, where pupils begin to develop the essential knowledge and practical skills required to prepare food safely, confidently and independently.

Pupils are introduced to the fundamentals of food preparation, health and safety, kitchen organisation and hygiene. Through a range of practical activities, they develop core skills including weighing and measuring, knife skills, food preparation techniques and the safe use of kitchen equipment.

Alongside practical cookery, pupils develop an understanding of healthy eating and nutrition. They learn about the Eatwell Guide, the functions of key nutrients and the relationship between diet and health. Pupils begin to make informed choices about food and gain an understanding of how balanced diets contribute to physical and mental wellbeing.

The Year 7 curriculum is designed to build confidence, foster independence and establish the foundations for further study in food, nutrition and hospitality-related subjects.

Aims of the EA Horizons Food Curriculum (Years 8-11)

As pupils move into EA Horizons, they build upon the knowledge and practical skills developed in Year 7 through increasingly challenging learning experiences and greater independence in the kitchen.

In Years 8 and 9, pupils deepen their understanding of nutrition, healthy eating and food science. They develop their ability to evaluate food choices, adapt recipes for different dietary needs and create healthier alternatives to everyday meals. Pupils explore a range of British and international cuisines, gaining an appreciation of cultural influences on food while further developing practical cookery techniques.

Pupils also investigate food commodities, food provenance and sustainability, considering how food is produced, sourced and consumed. Through practical and theoretical learning, they begin to explore concepts that provide strong foundations for future study in Food Preparation and Nutrition.

During Years 10 and 11, pupils have opportunities to further develop their understanding of nutrition, food science and food preparation through accredited courses and specialist study where available. Learning combines theoretical understanding with practical application, allowing pupils to investigate topics such as diet and health, food choice, food provenance, menu planning, food safety and the scientific properties of ingredients.

Pupils refine a wide range of practical skills whilst developing the ability to plan, prepare and evaluate dishes independently. They learn how to respond to design briefs, meet specific dietary requirements and make informed decisions based on nutritional, ethical and environmental considerations.

The curriculum promotes creativity, organisation, resilience and problem-solving whilst preparing pupils for further education, employment and everyday life. By the end of Year 11, pupils will have developed the confidence and practical expertise needed to make informed food choices, prepare a range of nutritious meals independently and understand the wider role of food within society, health and the environment.

Subject leader: Phyllis.Carlisle@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk  

Food Curriculum