Baseline Test + Bacteria & Food Poisoning Lesson (KS3/KS4 Food Technology)

UPDATED

A ready-to-teach 60 minute lesson with an included baseline test and peer marking, perfect for Year 9 Food Technology or as an introduction to GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition / Hospitality & Catering.

This resource helps you assess students’ prior knowledge and build a strong foundation in food safety, bacteria, and food poisoning.

What’s included:
Baseline Test (20–30 mins, 25 marks) covering:
Food safety and hygiene
Nutrition basics
Science of cooking
Full mark scheme + grading criteria (Foundation, Developing, Secure, Extended pathways - Editable)

PowerPoint lesson (30 mins) with:
Student-friendly objectives (Where am I going? How will I get there? Where am I going next?)
Starter discussion hook
Key teaching slides on bacteria, growth conditions, and food poisoning risks
Interactive ‘Spot the Risk’ activity with 12 scenarios (printable 4 × 3 grid)
Plenary recap & reflection task

Homework task linking theory to students’ own food choices

Learning outcomes:
Students will:
Identify common food poisoning bacteria and how they spread
Recognise unsafe food storage and handling practices
Apply key hygiene rules to reduce risks
Understand their own starting pathway (Foundation → Extended) based on baseline test results