FOOD TECH

Food Technology Roadmap: Years 7–11

The Food Technology curriculum from Year 7 to Year 11 is designed around a step-by-step developmental approach, ensuring students build essential life skills that support independence, health, and future employment. Through a spiral curriculum, key cooking and food preparation skills are revisited and refined over time, allowing students to grow in confidence, independence, and practical ability.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

At Key Stage 3, the focus is on developing core cookery skills that are directly relevant to students’ everyday lives, ensuring learning is meaningful and applicable.

• Year 7:
  Students focus on basic cookery skills, such as preparing simple meals, using kitchen equipment safely, and understanding hygiene. There is a strong emphasis on real-life application, for example using leftovers, reducing food waste, and preparing simple, nutritious meals that they can replicate at home.

• Year 8:
  These skills are revisited and further developed, with a greater focus on meal planning and budgeting. Students begin to understand the importance of cost, nutrition, and organisation when preparing food, linking learning directly to independent living and family life.

• Year 9:
  Students continue to follow the same core topics, but learning is adapted according to pathway:

  • Forest Pathway: Students are provided with greater challenge, including the use of more complex vocabulary, increased independence in practical tasks, and higher expectations in planning and execution.
  • Emerald Pathway: Students access the same themes but may work with shorter tasks, additional scaffolding, and more support to ensure understanding and success.

This differentiated approach ensures all students develop the skills at a level appropriate to their needs while preparing for potential Key Stage 4 options.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11)

At Key Stage 4, students have opportunities to specialise and gain qualifications that support independence and future career pathways.

• Emerald and Forest Pathways (Optional Route):
  Students may choose Food Technology as an option. Those who do will work towards the AIM Level 2 Certificate in Catering Skills.

  • Students develop practical cooking skills, kitchen organisation, food safety, and an understanding of the catering industry.
  • Learning is structured to support progression and independence, preparing students for employment or further training in the food and hospitality sector.

• Jade Pathway:
  Students on the Jade pathway will continue to access Food Technology with a focus on independence and life skills.

  This pathway is particularly important in supporting students to develop essential skills for everyday life, personal independence, and supported employment opportunities.

  • In Year 10, students follow AQA Unit Awards, building skills in small, achievable steps.
  • This leads to the AIM Level 1 Certificate in Working in Catering and Hospitality in Year 11.

Summary

The Food Technology roadmap ensures that all students experience a practical, relevant, and inclusive curriculum. Through step-by-step skill development, adaptation to individual needs, and clear qualification pathways, students are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to cook independently, make informed food choices, and prepare for life beyond school.