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GCSE Food preparation and nutrition8585

Non-exam assessment (NEA) for summer 2025

NEA work samples for this subject are now submitted online using Centre Marks Submission on Centre Services. Read the guidance on submitting NEA.

2.0 Specification at a glance

This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit their exam and submit all their non-exam assessment at the end of the course.

2.1 Subject content

Food preparation skills – these are intended to be integrated into the five sections:

  1. Food, nutrition and health
  2. Food science
  3. Food safety
  4. Food choice
  5. Food provenance

2.2 Assessments

Paper 1: Food preparation and nutrition

What's assessed

Theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from Sections 1 to 5.

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 100 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Questions

  • Multiple choice questions (20 marks)
  • Five questions each with a number of sub questions (80 marks)

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

What's assessed

Task 1: Food investigation (30 marks)

Students' understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients.

Practical investigations are a compulsory element of this NEA task.

Task 2: Food preparation assessment (70 marks)

Students' knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task.

Students will prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes within a single period of no more than three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved.

How it's assessed

  • Task 1: Written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of the practical investigation.
  • Task 2: Written or electronic portfolio including photographic evidence. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.