Food Technology


Food Technology is taken by every student at KS3 and as an option at KS4.

Key Stage 3

How long is the module?
At KS3 Food Technology it is a short course consisting approximately 12 lessons.

How is work assessed?
At the end of each module pupils have a short test to assess what they have learnt. Class work is given a mark out of 10 or a National Curriculum level, and/or a comment as appropriate. At the end of the project I work with the pupils to give an overall National Curriculum level, and a target to aim to achieve in their next project.

What work is covered in Year 7?
Work is based around designing and making foods for a “Healthy Café”. Within this project pupils learn about Hygiene and Safety issues, Healthy Eating and how to eat a Balanced Diet. The pupils also learn about the different ways that Fruit and Vegetables can be prepared to make a meal look attractive, and then ways to reduce the Fat or Sugar content of Foods.

What do Year 7’s make?
The pupils make a Salad using Fruit and/or Vegetables, and adapt a high fat, high sugar recipe to make 6 small Sponge Cakes.


What else does Food Technology offer for Year 7, some year 7’s were selected to make and decorated cakes for special events within the school.

What work is covered in Year 8
Work is based around “Bread from around the world”. Pupils are asked to carry out research to be able to be able to design and make a Pizza or Calzone (Pizza Pocket),that contains two portions of fruit or vegetables per serving.
In addition to the core technology skills, in Year 8 pupils:
  • Develop their skills of sensory analysis through tasting different types of bread.
  • Learn about the ingredients & techniques used to make bread.
  • Develop their nutritional understanding.
  • Carry out a basic HACCP analysis.
What do year 8’s make
Pupils will have the opportunity to make bread rolls of different shapes, and make a Pizza or Calzone.

What else does Food Technology offer for Year 8’s
Pupils have the opportunity to receive a Silver Award in the Sainsbury’s Taste of Success award scheme.
Pupils can come in for extra help with their work most Lunchtimes.
I am hoping that this year, some year 8’s will have the opportunity to be involved in making food for visitors.

What work is covered in Year 9?
Work is based around producing food for a party, pupils are allowed to pick their own event, but the food produced must be suitable to be eaten with the fingers and be suitable to be served cold or re-heated.
In Year 9, in addition to developing the core technology skills, pupils have the opportunity to use CAD- CAM equipment to produce a celebration cake.

What do year 9’s make?
Year 9’s carry out an experiment to find out the best way to make the sponge for their celebration cake, pick the best method and then get to make the cake and ice it. Some groups will also get the chance to make a pastry product working as part of a team, and make foods of their own choice that are suitable for their chosen event.
What else does Food Technology offer for Year 9’s
Pupils have the opportunity to receive a Gold Award in the Sainsbury’s Taste of Success award scheme.
Pupils can come in for extra help with their work most Lunchtimes.
I am hoping that this year, some year 9’s will have the opportunity to be involved in making food for visitors.

Key stage 4

GCSE Food Technology is a two year course covering a wide variety of food related topics, investigative work and practical experience. The OCR course is followed by all pupils who choose to take Food Technology at GCSE level. Pupils gain knowledge of working with ingredients and simulating industrial practices. 60% of the final grade is based on a Coursework Project. This project is currently based on “Foods from around the world”. It is made up of 6 sections called Objectives. The remaining 40% of the marks are awarded for 2 written exam papers. Pupils are welcome to come in to complete work, or for extra help at lunchtime and in after school sessions.

What else does Food Technology offer at key stage 4?
Last year 14 year 10 pupils took part in a “Hells Kitchen” style event as part of work related learning week. The pupils, many of which did not select Food as a GCSE option, successfully prepared and cooked a 3 course meal. Mr Terry trained other pupils how to serve correctly at “Terry’s Tavern”. The 3 course meal was served to Senior members of staff, and people who had employed some of our Year 10’s on their work experience placements. I hope that a similar event will happen this year.