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Home Cooking Skills

Aims of the subject: To give students the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy cooking meals at home. To understand how to economise when planning meals to cook and to transfer skills learnt and inspire others by passing on their knowledge.

Examination Board: Edexcel BTEC Level 1 and 2 Awards in Home Cooking Skills

Assessment Overview:

Continuous internal assessment and a final assessment including a practical task  in the spring term of each year.

What will I learn?

Year What will I learn? Assessment
10

Level 1:

Key Learning Outcomes

Learners will:

  • Select and prepare ingredients for a variety of simple recipes.
  • Use basic cooking techniques such as boiling, baking, frying, and grilling.
  • Demonstrate food safety and hygiene throughout the cooking process.
  • Understand the importance of healthy eating and how to adapt meals to be more balanced.
  • Reflect on their learning and identify how cooking skills benefit their daily life.

Skills Developed

  • Confidence in following recipes independently
  • Safe use of kitchen equipment
  • Planning and preparing meals
  • Understanding nutritional content and food labels
  • Time management and organisation in the kitchen

 

The course is assessed through practical tasks and reflective activities. Learners are expected to:

·         Complete cooking tasks that demonstrate their skills

·         Submit evidence of food preparation and hygiene practices

·         Reflect on their progress and identify personal benefits from learning to cook

Final Assessment – To be able to plan and cook a nutritious meal using basic ingredients

Select and prepare ingredients for a recipe for a meal

Use cooking skills when following recipes

Demonstrate food safety and hygiene throughout the preparation and cooking process

·

 

11

Level 2:

Key Learning Outcomes

Learners will:

·         Plan and prepare a range of meals using fresh ingredients and appropriate cooking techniques.

·         Demonstrate advanced food safety and hygiene practices throughout food preparation.

·         Adapt recipes to suit dietary needs, preferences, and budgets.

·         Understand the nutritional value of ingredients and how to create balanced meals.

·         Reflect on their learning and explain how cooking skills contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Skills Developed

·         Confident use of kitchen equipment and tools

·         Meal planning and budgeting

·         Time management and organisation

·         Nutritional awareness and recipe adaptation

·         Independent cooking and presentation skills

 

Assessment

Assessment is based on practical tasks and reflective work. Learners must:

·         Complete a series of cooking activities that demonstrate their skills and understanding

·         Provide evidence of planning, preparation, and hygiene

·         Reflect on their progress and explain how their skills can be used in daily life

Final Assessment – To be able to plan and cook a nutritious 2 course home-cooked meal using basic ingredients

Select and prepare ingredients for recipes for a nutritious two course meal

Use cooking skills when following recipes

Demonstrate food safety and hygiene throughout the preparation and cooking process

Apply presentation skills when serving the meal

 

Extra-curricular opportunities

Throughout the course of study, it is anticipated that pupils will have the opportunity to a wide range of food establishments.

Supporting Your Child in KS4 Home Cooking

You can help your child succeed in KS4 Home Cooking by encouraging good organisation and active engagement with their learning. Here’s how:

  • Check Synergy regularly with your child to stay up to date with lesson plans, recipes, and homework tasks.
  • Ensure they bring the correct equipment for practical lessons—a clean apron, a suitable container, and any additional ingredients requested.
  • Support them in completing and submitting homework on time, and encourage revision of key topics to reinforce learning.
  • Help them prepare for Assessment tasks by discussing deadlines and helping them stay focused and confident.

Your involvement helps build independence, responsibility, and a love of cooking. Thank you for your continued support!

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