The Department raises the awareness of the part food plays in our society today, highlighting the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and demonstrating the importance of food in building social skills, manners and conversation. It enhances the self esteem of the pupil when a well-prepared and well-presented meal has been served.
Home Economics at Rishworth
Home Economics is taught from Year 7 up to GCSE level. During Years 7, 8 and 9 the Department aims to teach basic practical skills relating to sensible nutritional knowledge. Basic food hygiene and many issues relating to all aspects of food production are covered throughout these years.
The two-year GCSE course in Food and Nutrition involves one tier of assessment with a single paper which covers all the grades A* - G. There are two coursework assignments accounting for 60% of the final mark.
The first assignment is a Research Task which forms 15% of the total mark, and the second is an Individual Investigation worth 45% of the total mark. A range of tasks will be provided by the AQA Examination Board and it is advised that the Research Task be completed at the end of Year 10 whilst the Individual Investigation is completed in Year 11. Both of these assignments form the basis of practical work where pupils use appropriate research methods, analyse and evaluate information, make reasoned judgements and present conclusions, putting their knowledge and understanding of the subject to the test. The remaining 40% of the mark is based on a written examination at the end of the course.
Outside the classroom
There are plenty of opportunities to fulfil potential and raise pupils’ confidence. The Department enters national cooking competitions and undertakes visits to supermarkets, other schools and local restaurants where pupils are encouraged to question and interview.
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