If you enjoy GCSE Food Technology or GCSE Catering, then this is the course for you! The course offers ample opportunity for you to develop both your creativity and designing skills. Practical tasks help emphasise and develop your theoretical knowledge and understanding of the subject. This will be completed in our state of the art kitchens along with a trip to Cadbury world. You must be a well motivated hard working, independent learner.
AQA
GCSE grade C in Food Technology is desirable although not essential.
Unit 1 – FOOD1 Materials, Components and Application
In this unit you will develop an understanding of the physical properties of a broad range of ingredients, components and nutrients including Protein, Carbohydrates, Fats and Oils. You will be able to investigate why these are used in specific applications, with particular emphasis on the life-cycle of products including manufacture, use and disposal.
You will be able to develop knowledge of the health and safety issues relevant to working with a variety of materials and an understanding of the broader issues for the designer such as: environmental sustainability of products, health issues and social factors, the influences of culture, and consumer safety.
Unit 2 – FOOD2 Learning Through Designing and Making In depth research, producing design ideas, evaluating ideas and considering how the products can be manufactured.
Unit 3 – FOOD3 Design and Manufacture
At A2, knowledge and understanding is further developed and you will be able study how materials and components play a major part in the Application of Food Science and Nutritional Principles. This includes:
• Physical and chemical structures of the macro nutrients
• Working characteristics in relation to the physical and sensory attributes of the food
• Nutritional composition
Further study on design & market influences cover areas such as new products, product development, marketing and Health & Safety. Preservation, storage and QA complete an in depth study of Food Technology at A2
Unit 4 – FOOD4 Design and Making Practice
This design and make activity is the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the units across AS and A2 and develop a high quality product from an identified problem or opportunity.
Opportunities exist via employment or higher education; for example in higher education you could go on to study Food Science, Food and Nutrition, Food Marketing and Food and Consumer Studies. In employment you could move into areas such as new product developer – designing new foods for supermarkets or multi-national companies. You could become a dietician for the health service, hospitals or large company, or a food writer or food photographer or work in the hospitality industry.