This subject builds on and extends the knowledge, understanding and skills established in the GCSE Food Technology course. It requires students to design and make products which can be tested and evaluated thus encouraging independent learning, creativity and innovation. It links significantly to the food industry and commercial practices.

Requirements

It is useful to have studied Food Technology at GCSE and you should have achieved an A*, A, B or C grade at GCSE. It is also helpful to have gained a minimum of Grade C GCSE in Science.

Students need to be curious, artistic and imaginative in the designing of possible solutions to real problems. They will need the skill and determination to overcome problems that arise during the development of high quality products. Time planning and organization are key skills that need to be developed to a high degree during the course.

What could this lead to?

This course meets the needs of students who wish to broaden their studies. It is also a pathway to a variety of interesting careers. The Food Industry is vast and there are many opportunities. Students may go on to study further in the following areas: Food Technology, Dietetics, Environmental Health, Food Product Development, Public Relations, Teaching, Hotel & Catering, Health Promotion, Sports Science and Nutrition, Food and Nutrition.

AS (Advanced Subsidiary)

Unit 1 - Portfolio of Creative Skills
You will produce a portfolio with three distinct sections which will demonstrate your creativity and flair. This will include product investigation, product design and product manufacture. This is not the same as the complete Design and Make project carried out at GCSE but a selection of your best work.

Unit 2 - Design and Technology in Practice
This is examined in a 2 hour paper covering areas such as materials and components/ingredients and their working properties, industrial and commercial practices, quality and health and safety.

A2

Unit 3 - Designing for the future
This is examined in a 2 hour paper covering the following areas: food commodities, chemical composition and applications of manufacturing processes, nutrition, product development and food innovation.

Unit 4 - Commercial Design
You will carry out a full Design and Make project. You can choose your topic which arises from consultation with a client/user group.