Food & Cookery

What We Do

Our Key Stage 3 Food Technology course is structured to encourage students to:

• Gain an early understanding of how to support a healthy lifestyle through cooking.
• Learn to prepare healthy and nutritious dishes using the Eatwell Plate as a guide.
• Experiment with a variety of new and unfamiliar foods to broaden their palates and confidence.

Students have two Food Technology lessons each week:

• Theory Lessons: These focus on developing essential knowledge about nutrition, food safety, and healthy eating habits.
• Practical Lessons: These provide hands-on experience in cooking, including preparing, presenting, and tasting their dishes.

After each practical lesson, students are required to:

• Review their performance, highlighting what went well and identifying areas for improvement.
• Comment on the flavour, texture, and appearance of their dish, fostering a critical and reflective approach to cooking.

Why We Do It

We believe that understanding food and nutrition is a vital skill that benefits students both now and in the future. Through this course, we aim to:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their diets.
• Inspire a love for cooking and an appreciation of diverse foods and flavours.
• Encourage habits that support long-term physical health and wellbeing.

By integrating both theory and practical lessons, students build a strong foundation in nutrition and food preparation, which they can carry forward into adulthood.

How Can Parents/Carers and Students Help?

For Students:

Your role is to:

• Actively participate in both theory and practical lessons.
• Be open to trying new foods and techniques, even if they feel unfamiliar at first.
• Reflect thoughtfully on your cooking experiences and use feedback to improve your skills.
• Engage with the Eatwell Plate and apply what you learn to your daily eating habits.

For Parents/Carers:

You can support your child by:

• Encouraging them to practise their cooking skills at home and try new recipes.
• Discussing the importance of a balanced diet and helping them apply these principles in family meals.
• Showing interest in their progress, including reviewing their practical evaluations and celebrating their successes.
• Promoting a positive attitude towards healthy eating and food preparation as a valuable life skill.

The Key Stage 3 Food Technology course at Links Academy is an invaluable opportunity for students to develop lifelong skills in nutrition and cooking while fostering creativity and confidence in the kitchen.