The aim of the Food Technology Department is to promote quality learning through the study of food and to inspire an interest in the study of food and nutrition. We seek to provide girls with the practical skills relevant to everyday life and to develop an awareness of the importance of healthy eating.
Senior Masterchef will take place on Sunday 8th November.
Food Technology is an integral part of the curriculum for all girls in Year I-III. Emphasis is placed on the teaching of a high standard of practical skills which is designed to inspire an interest in the study of food. Creativity is encouraged and developed through the exploration of open-ended design tasks, which girls work on independently or in small groups. Studying Food Technology also enables the girls to develop good organisational skills as well as the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively.
Syllabus Title: Home Economics: Food and Nutrition
Examining Board: OCR
Syllabus Code: J431
At GCSE level we study Home Economics: Food and Nutrition. This course prepares girls for both their present and future needs in a rapidly changing world. The course focuses on the development of practical skills, which are linked to the theoretical study of food, nutrition and health and includes meal planning, food preparation and cooking, food safety and preservation and an understanding of consumer issues.
In addition, the girls are required to carry out individual, original research which will challenge their ability to work independently and to use a variety of research techniques. An additional course is also undertaken leading to The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health ‘Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering’.
AS LEVEL
Syllabus Title: Home Economics: Food, Nutrition and Health
Examining Board: OCR
Syllabus Code: H511
At AS level we study Home Economics: Food, Nutrition and Health. This course provides a natural progression from GCSE Home Economics, but is equally suitable for girls who have not studied the subject before. At AS Level the content provides a useful introduction to Social Science as well as the study of diet and health and is, therefore, suitable for those girls who have an interest in this area of study. The curriculum content is contemporary and takes into account the changing needs of society. An experimental and investigative approach is pursued through the medium of practical cookery. This enables the girls to understand the inter-relationship between different areas of the subject, and to link theoretical studies to practical situations. Different teaching and learning strategies are used
A2 LEVEL
Syllabus Title: Home Economics: Food, Nutrition and Health
Examining Board: OCR
Syllabus Code: H511
This course builds on the skills developed at AS Level and follows the same format in terms of teaching styles and learning strategies. The course content focuses on nutrition and food production and also involves the completion of an investigative study. This enables the girls to explore an aspect of the syllabus in detail and to use of a variety of research techniques, which will be invaluable for further study.
The Food Technology department is committed to offering a variety of extra-curricular activities which include the following:
CITY AND GUILDS: THE CERTIFICATE IN CULINARY SKILLS
This examination course is offered as an extra-curricular activity to girls in the Lower Sixth and leads to the ‘Certificate in Culinary Skills’, a nationally recognised vocational qualification. The course is suitable for those girls who have a real interest in food and nutrition and who wish to develop their practical cookery skills. The course is mainly of a practical nature, but there is also a requirement for a portfolio to be completed, which provides evidence of the work undertaken throughout the course. Girls also take a course leading to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health ‘Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering’.
MASTERCHEF
This inter-house competition provides the opportunity for girls to plan, prepare, cook and serve a two course meal which they present for judging.
COOKERY ACTIVITIES
These provide the opportunity for girls and staff to interact in a less formal manner.
YEAR I AFTERNOON TEA
This annual event enables the girls to develop their hospitality skills by hosting a tea party for staff and other invited guests.
INTERNATIONAL EVENING
The Food Technology department supports our international girls in the preparation of food for their annual show case evening.