Food Technology

Subject Intent

 

Food Technology at the Park is studied by every year group and weekly lessons combine creative and practical activities with the principles of nutrition, hygiene, safety and healthy eating. We consider being able to cook as an important life skill and our students are taught how to prepare snacks and meals for themselves and others.

In KS3 the emphasis is on acquiring basic skills and understanding how to eat healthily.  In KS4 we run both BTEC and ASDAN courses and all students work towards accreditation.  They are encouraged to use the skills they have learnt as independently as possible to produce healthy, nutritionally balanced dishes. The design element of the subject is met through the opportunity to plan meals, adapt recipes, and select ingredients to suit personal tastes.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Basic cooking skills 

Health and safety 

Preparing vegetables and fruits 

Cooking skills continued

Healthy snacks
 


Year 8

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Basic cooking skills

Breakfast foods

Healthy snacks
 

Year 9

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Healthy eating

Food groups – Carbohydrates

Food groups – Proteins

Food groups – Fruit & vegetables  

Cooking skills for independent living  
 

Year 10

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Home Cooking Skills BTEC Level 1 or

Foodwise course year 1 leading to ASDAN certification
 

Year 11

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Home Cooking Skills BTEC Level 1 or 2 continued or

Foodwise course year 2 leading to ASDAN certification 

 

How we assess in Food Technology

Short task at the beginning of each session to assess recall from the previous lesson.

Observation and questioning by Teacher and TAs.

Practical task and reflections at the end of each lesson.

Practical and theory assessment at the end of each term.

Satisfactory completion of all written work.

In year 11, teacher assessment of the final BTEC Assignment or Foodwise module.

Enrichment opportunities

Baking for and running a Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Baking for and running charity cake sales throughout the year.

Trips to supermarkets in Year 9 to compare supermarket prices and brands.

Trips to the supermarket in year 10 to buy ingredients for a store cupboard budget meal.

Work Experience in Year 11, running a kitchen/cooking to sell.

Each year group takes part in a fun Food Tech activity during Summer activities week.

How can I support my child with their learning?

 

  • Talk about dishes they have made at school and encourage them to try them at home with supervision as needed.
  • For KS3 students, encourage them to help at home with preparation of meals and clearing up afterwards.
  • For year 10 students, encourage them to make light meals and snacks for themselves as independently as possible.
  • For year 11 students, allow them to cook meals at home as independently as possible or allow them to assist you with food preparation. Take photos of them cooking at home if possible and send them to school for inclusion as evidence in their BTEC file or Foodwise Booklet.