Food Technology

Students develop as independent individuals who are well prepared for adulthood-They are given every opportunity to access the curriculum fully and encouraged to work independently; this will lead to student success and a successful monitoring of progress. The focus is on accumulating skills to cook and feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously for life.

Basic and advanced cooking and baking skills are confidently mastered – Recipes are chosen based on the season or time of the year and different cuisines are used to broaden world food knowledge. Themes promote British Values and are relevant to students’ everyday lives and topical and current events in today’s society.

Life skills are further developed as student’s personal potential is nurtured – Students expand their knowledge on topics such as food safety, healthy eating and the significance of nutrition for overall well-being, economical grocery shopping and budgeting for a family, food provenance and the influence of cultural, ethical and dietary factors on food choices. Lessons will ultimately enhance student’s ability to prepare homemade meals from scratch; not relying on convenience foods.

There are opportunities for collaboration and working together- Students share food, knowledge, reflections, and recipes with each other all year round but in the summer term we have the exciting opportunity for classes to work collaboratively to plan, design and cook menus for events for other pupils, teachers and/or guests. This will enhance student’s team building and leadership skills but also give them valuable knowledge and professional experience of careers within the food and/or hospitality industry.

In all lessons students are supported to build confidence and resilience – Students are consistently challenged, encouraged and supported by an enthusiastic subject specialist and a team of caring and knowledgeable staff around them to try new things, learn new skills, gain a vast knowledge and over time this will build a ‘can do’ attitude. By KS4, students will have already secured many of the key skills and knowledge needed to gain a qualification at GCSE or BTEC in Food Technology and then moving forward after their time at Chaigeley School as, at the least talented and capable cooks, or into further education in catering and then into a successful career.