Department Mission Statement: Believe, Achieve and Care
Catering – Key Stage 3
Curriculum Intent
The Key Stage 3 Catering curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for adult life by developing essential life skills, practical competence, and an understanding of healthy living. The department recognises the importance of food education in supporting pupils’ independence, wellbeing, and readiness for future learning and employment.
The curriculum aims to ensure that pupils:
- Develop a secure understanding of nutrition, health, and the principles of a balanced diet.
- Gain the knowledge and skills required to prepare healthy, varied meals for themselves and others.
- Understand the source, seasonality, and characteristics of a wide range of ingredients.
Curriculum Implementation
Pupils are taught through a structured programme of practical and theoretical learning. They develop competence in a wide range of cooking techniques, including:
- Selecting, preparing, and handling ingredients safely and hygienically
- Using kitchen utensils and electrical equipment confidently and safely
- Applying heat through a variety of cooking methods
- Using sensory evaluation (taste, texture, and aroma) to season, combine, and adapt dishes
- Developing and adapting their own recipes over time
Pupils use a range of professional kitchen equipment, including ovens, hobs, grills, microwaves, air fryers, food processors, blenders, bread makers, food steamers, hand whisks, knives, and electronic weighing scales.
Curriculum Impact
By the end of Key Stage 3, pupils are able to work safely and independently in a kitchen environment, demonstrate a clear understanding of nutrition and healthy eating, and apply a range of practical cooking skills with confidence. They are well prepared for progression to Hospitality and Catering Level 1 / Level 2 at Key Stage 4 and for applying these skills in everyday life.
WJEC Catering Revision – Cedars
For WJEC Catering revision, use the official WJEC website for past papers, mark schemes, and digital resources like Knowledge Organisers and Exam Walkthroughs, supplemented by third-party sites like Study Rocket for free notes and CGP Books for workbooks.