Food Technology
Intent summary
Intent, Implementation, Impact
Design and Technology is a creative, innovative, practical subject. Within High Close School the subject offers young people the opportunity to develop imaginative thinking and apply these ideas through design and make tasks. Students can undertake a variety of projects that introduce and consolidate techniques that will gradually build and establish a knowledge of skills.
“There is no doubting the value of being able to cook as a life skill and so it is an area of real importance to the young people at High Close School”
The students learn all aspects of life in the kitchen as well as many skills which can be used as a basis for careers in the catering industry. There is an emphasis on learning fundamental cooking techniques to that pupils can use them as a springboard for their own creations. This allows the more able students to show greater creativity whilst using more complex techniques and skills. Those who are unfamiliar, get to know their way around the kitchen, how to choose the correct equipment and how to be safe around the hob, oven and general kitchen equipment.
Food Technology Curriculum
Using a similar approach to the teaching of Design Technology, Food Technology is also delivered through a combination of e-folios and practical tasks. The hands-on experience of working in a kitchen, cooking and making dishes from fresh ingredients not only introduces new skills but consolidates existing ones encouraging students at High Close to become independent young people.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 students will work towards the License to Cook certificate, giving the young people the key skills they need to make healthy and nutritious meals safely in the kitchen.
In Year 8 the emphasis is on the ‘Eat well Guide’. The students will develop a greater understanding of a balanced diet and have the opportunity to cook recipes that focus on the five food groups.
During Year 9 the focus is on how different cultures from around the world embrace food, introducing recipes based on a range of cuisines. Creating the opportunity for the young people to broaden their knowledge and a springboard for their own creations.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4 students study the ASDAN Food Wise Award. This is a practical course where it gives candidates the opportunity build on their knowledge from Key Stage 3. The young people will develop their cooking skills, as well as build their knowledge of a variety of food-related issues.
The Food Wise course comprises of seven modules;
1. Healthy Eating
2. Basic Food Safety
3. Food Preparation and Presentation
4. Cooking on a Budget
5. Entertaining
6. The Food Industry
7. Practical Cooking Skills
Extra-Curricular Activities
All students from both key stages also have the opportunity to participate in the annual High Close MasterChef competition. Students initially compete as their units to become their Unit Champion. The Unit Champions then go through to the Grand Final to have the chance to be crowned MasterChef Champion of the school!
This year we were fortunate to have the support of IKEA and hold the finals within the kitchens at the Reading store.
Watch out for Bake off coming to High Close!