Food &
Nutrition Food &
Nutrition Food & Nutrition

Why Study Food & Nutrition?

At Beaulieu, the purpose of our Food and Nutrition curriculum is to prepare and equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to cook and eat well throughout their lives. We aim to nurture capable, informed, and enthusiastic young cooks who understand the importance of healthy eating and can apply these principles in practical, meaningful ways.

Our curriculum develops students’ food and nutrition understanding through clear explanations and careful modelling of core cookery skills. Students then deliberately practise these skills so they can progress steadily towards mastering more complex techniques and concepts over time. Regular practical lessons ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, have ample opportunity to problem-solve, refine their abilities, and experience consistent, purposeful progress in the kitchen.

We want every student to develop a lifelong love of cooking and a strong sense of readiness for independent living. This includes being equipped with key practical skills and the confidence to use kitchen equipment safely and effectively. Students learn to follow simple recipes, work independently, and produce successful dishes. They also explore where food comes from, its seasonality, and how ingredients contribute to balanced, healthy meals. Ultimately, we aim to empower students to make informed, sustainable food choices while showing respect for ingredients, for the cooking environment, and for others.

Year 7

Students begin their cookery journey with us by learning how to stay safe in the kitchen, use equipment correctly, and handle and cook food hygienically. Our practical lessons build gradually on core knife skills and basic cooking techniques. By the end of their first term, pupils will have used the oven, grill, and hob to create a range of healthy, balanced meals to take home and enjoy with their families. During the Spring Term, these skills are developed further, and in the Summer Term, students plan and prepare their own dishes over a series of lessons, showcasing what they have learned. Throughout the year, theory lessons link directly to the food they are cooking, ensuring their learning is relevant, purposeful, and engaging.

Year 8

In Year 8, students explore food safety in greater depth by learning about the consequences of poor food hygiene. This is important as they begin to prepare more complex dishes that require multitasking and the safe use of multiple pieces of equipment. In theory lessons, pupils build on their understanding of the food groups introduced in Year 7, developing greater awareness of the source, seasonality, and characteristics of the ingredients they use. In practical lessons, pupils continue to cook with a wide variety of healthy ingredients so that, by the end of the year, they feel confident preparing simple recipes independently at home. We aim to ensure they develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to eat well for life.

Years 9-11 (GCSE)

For any students wishing to continue their journey in Food and Nutrition, the GCSE is a great opportunity to do so. The Eduqas GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition course develops students’ understanding of food science, nutrition, and healthy eating. Learners explore where food comes from, the principles of a balanced diet, and the impact of food choices on health and the environment. The course combines theory with practical skills, allowing students to develop confidence in planning, preparing, and cooking a wide range of dishes. Students also investigate food safety, technological developments, and culinary techniques. Assessment includes a written exam and two non-exam tasks focused on food investigation and practical preparation. The course encourages creativity, independence, and informed food choices.  We also strongly encourage students to develop their cookery skills further outside of school time by cooking dishes at home for friends and family.