Curriculum
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Why study Design Technology or Food and Nutrition?
Design Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design and by working with different resources, materials, and tools. As a result, pupils gain technical and design awareness, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity.
Design Technology is in ever more demand in today’s 21st century, where practical skills are highly valued, and many individuals choose to run their own businesses and create their own products.
Food preparation and Nutrition enables students to develop the practical skills required to make a range of products. Being able to cook well balanced meals and having the nutritional knowledge will help students make the right choices in looking after their own health in the future.
Studying these subjects, in its unique and differential ways, allows for pupils to apply general knowledge and turn everyday activities into useful learning strategies.
How will I study Design Technology?
Pupils study Design Technology through project-based tasks. The curriculum teaches pupils to think creatively, and develop skills needed in everyday life. They will use an iterative design process, in textiles, food and design technology. Ultimately, pupils become confident, competent, and creative designers who can think critically within a range of contexts.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
Pupils will analyse and explore existing products in order to develop their creative thinking and design skills. They will work to design briefs in all areas of Design Technology and develop products that address the needs of others.
During Year 7, pupils will spend half the year in Design Technology and the other half in Food Technology. In Design Technology they will become familiar with different designers and the complete a mini design and make hand sown project. In food, they will learn to build an understanding of healthy eating, seasonality and food safety whilst developing practical cooking skills.
During Year 8, pupils will design and make an ugly doll using recyclable materials and sewing machines. They will also look at the main nutrients required in the body and use the design process in a mini bread project.
During Year 9 pupils will build on skills developed so far within Design Technology. They will look at various other designers and use different materials in a small design and make project. Within Food they will explore a range of multicultural foods whilst also gaining knowledge and an introduction into the science of cooking.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At KS4, pupils can currently study Food preparation and Nutriton. Food preparation and nutrition equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook a variety of different meals, whilst making informed choices about their diet, nutrition, and health. Pupils develop vital life skills that will help them to become more self-sufficient, learning how to prepare and cook food safely, using appropriate techniques (frying, boiling, baking etc.). Pupils also learn about how to store food responsibly and the health hazards associated with failing to do so.
Pupils are taught to recognise the physiological and psychological effects of a poor diet and develop an understanding of the functional properties and chemical processes associated with different types of food, along with its nutritional content.
Pupils will have the opportunity to follow a variety of different recipes, ranging from traditional British food to international cuisine, to inspire new ideas and broaden their culinary repertoire
Assessment at Key Stage 4
| Paper 1 – Food Preparation and Nutrition | |
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| Overview | Focus |
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Assesses pupils’ theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition, covering:
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| Non-Exam Assessment | |
| Overview | Focus |
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Task 1: Food investigation Assesses pupils’ understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients.
Pupils will complete a written or electronic report (1,500–2,000 words) including photographic evidence of their practical investigation.
Task 2: Food preparation assessment Assesses pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task.
Pupils 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. |
Enrichment Offer
Lunch times are offered to Key stage 4 students to come and continue their work or gain extra support. Later within the Year will see the introduction of KS3 cooking clubs which have always been popular within the past.
Careers
The study of Food preparation and Nutrition and can lead into future careers such as becoming; A chef, A Nutritionist, Food Technologist , Food scientist or jobs within hospitality and catering.
Useful Resources and Revision Support
- KS3 CGP Design and Technology The Study Guide
- Collins- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- CGP – Food Preparation and Nutrition
- BBC Food Bitesize
- Food – A Fact of Life