Year 10 Food Students Rise to the Challenge – One Dish at a Time

This week, the aroma of ambition filled the Food and Nutrition kitchens as our Year 10 GCSE students put their culinary skills to the test in a high-energy, hands-on practice for the future NEA 2 assessment.

Although the final GCSE challenge will require students to prepare, cook, and present three complete dishes in just three hours — including all cleaning and tidying — our students are already getting ahead of the curve by tackling two dishes in two hours. This practice run is helping them build the stamina, precision, and time management skills needed to shine in the real thing.

The pressure was on as students chopped, sautéed, baked, and plated under time constraints, while staff eagerly awaited the chance to taste the fruits of their labour. From fluffy meringues with seasonal fruits to hearty pasta mains and wholesome breads, the dishes on show this week proved that our young chefs are taking the challenge seriously — and having a lot of fun along the way.

Planning is key to success in this high-stakes task. Students must choose a menu that shows off different techniques, research recipes inside out, organise their equipment, and create a clear time plan — all before setting foot in the kitchen. Once the timer starts, it’s all systems go: cooking, multitasking, cleaning, and presenting.

“It’s about more than just cooking,” said one of the Food Technology teachers. “It’s about thinking ahead, staying calm under pressure, and learning how to be efficient without cutting corners. The students are really stepping up.”

As our Year 10s continue to refine their skills, there’s no doubt they’re cooking up success for Year 11. With every stir, slice, and sprinkle, they’re preparing to serve up results they can be proud of — in the classroom and beyond.

Bon appétit, Year 10 — you’re on a roll!