Food Technology

Key Stage 3

Year 7

The main aims of this unit are to introduce Food Technology as one aspect of Design Technology and to begin the Licence To Cook Programme.

Pupils follow a basic introductory course which includes basic cooking skills, safety, hygiene and the use of basic equipment. Pupils will carry out this work through a range of focused practical tasks.

Year 8

The main aim of this unit is to develop pupils’ understanding and awareness of healthier eating and how to apply this understanding when designing with food. In this unit pupils create a range of healthier savoury products and also tackle a design and make assignment (DMA) on the theme ‘Healthier Cakes and Biscuits’. Pupils have the opportunity to modify an existing cake or biscuit recipe in order to improve its healthiness. They must use ingredients appropriately to meet a specific technical purpose. Pupils gain the knowledge; skills and understanding they need to carry out the DMA successfully through product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks.

The Licence to Cook Programme continues to be included.

Year 9

The context for this unit is two fold; the first unit applies the Year 8 knowledge of healthier eating with the practical skills of the Licence to Cook Programme in order to produce main course products. Pupils will have the opportunity to make a range of savoury main meal products and to consider their nutritional value and role in a healthy diet.

The second unit of work involves a design and make task covering ‘Snack Products’.

This will enable pupils to follow the design and make process from ideas to development and includes market research, design specifications, product analysis and practical cookery.

BAND A pupils ( TWO forms split into 3 groups ) in each year group have 26 weeks in total, these are either 2xweek for 13 weeks OR in Year 9 rotate every 13 weeks.

BAND B pupils ( THREE forms split into 4 groups) in each year group have 20 weeks.

This tends to be in Graphics / RM twice a week for 10 weeks.

Key Stage 4

This AQA Design & Technology course involves the study of food and it’s functional properties. The production of high quality and tasty food products relies upon a good understanding and working knowledge of the ingredients being used. During the two year course opportunities will be given to gain knowledge and understanding of the functions, working characteristics and processing techniques when designing and making food products.

The course is divided into two main units and will be taught over two school years. Each week pupils will have 2x1 hour lessons. The following areas of study are covered :

UNIT 1 ( The written paper) : Materials and Components Processes and Manufacture Design and Market Influences

UNIT 2 Design & Make Practice : A Controlled Assignment A paper based design task.

Each unit is assessed as follows :

UNIT 1 : A 2 hour written examination paper covering all levels carrying 40% of the final mark. This includes the paper based design task ( section A)

UNIT 2 : A controlled assignment task which includes both designing and making. This unit carries 60% of the final mark. It must be presented as a folder of work taking up approx 20 sides of A3 paper. It must equate to approx 45 hours of work.

The course is open to all pupils but a commitment to bring the necessary ingredients for practical work is a definite requirement.