Food and Nutrition

The wellbeing of our pupils is at the centre of everything we do at Ark Boulton Academy. A large part of being healthy is the food we eat. Food and Nutrition is a practical and creative subject where pupils are given the opportunity to learn about essential healthy eating principles and make dishes that are cost effective for their families. Pupils learn where ingredients come from and how they are used in different cultural contexts. A healthy diet not only contributes to our physical wellbeing but helps us to strengthen our mental health. When we eat better, we feel better in our mind. Ultimately, we want pupils to develop the habits of healthy eating so they can use these throughout their lives and become role models for their communities. 

The curriculum is taught through a variety of theory and practical lessons. The practical lessons enable pupils to develop the foundational knowledge needed to understand what healthy eating looks like and why we do it. During the practical lessons pupils use a variety of skills to cook and present predominantly savoury dishes. As pupils progress through the Academy the build their skills so they are able to use complex cooking techniques by the time they leave in year 11.

In Key Stage 3, we aim to develop students learning and understanding of the principles of healthy eating. In year 7 students learn foundational knowledge about the sources and functions of nutrients and the impact that a poor diet has on health. In year 8 students build on this knowledge and start to develop healthy eating habits. They look deeper at a range of diet related illnesses and the impact this has on our community and families. They also develop an understanding of where food comes from. In year 9, students revisit healthy eating principles. Throughout the year students begin to develop a range of complex food preparation skills and explore the functional and chemical properties of ingredients. All students are given the skills to cook nutritious and cost effective meals throughout their time in Key Stage 3.

In Key Stage 4, students deepen and widen their knowledge of food and nutrition. The topics are covered in a greater depth, building on the nutritional concepts taught in Key Stage 3. In addition, students explore the ethical and moral reasons for food choice, learning about sustainability and the environmental impact. To prepare learners for their practical exam in year 11, students a given a range of complex recipes to create that demonstrate a high level of skill an accuracy.

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