Food Technology

Why is it important to our students’ futures?

Food Tech is essential to the future of our students – it provides students with the skills they need to live an independent and healthy life. Students are taught how to be hygienic and safe in the kitchen – with students building confidence in working with heat and knives in nearly every lesson – and learn how to plan and make a healthy, budget-friendly meal. A significant proportion of Lighthouse students struggle to vary their diet – often due to their individual sensory profile. This has a significant impact on their health, sleep, and ability to concentrate. Students are supported to vary their diet in Food Tech and this has a significant impact beyond the kitchen. Food is a key component of culture – and students get to experience a diverse range of dishes from all over the world. This gives them a richer understanding of the world around them.

What does Food Technology look like in Lighthouse School?

• We have a spiral curriculum that supports our learners in retaining learning and building on concepts. By repeating a dish, students can become more confident and more likely to feel confident enough to work independently.
• We deliver GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition (9-1) and BTEC Level 1 and 2
• The topics taught in Food Tech at KS3 are chosen to introduce and develop students understanding of a variety of different types of ingredients, cooking styles and preparation skills. Students also develop their understanding of food theory which supports them have a deeper understanding of why decisions are made in the kitchen.
• Topics are developing continuously and are influenced to some extent by what is happening socially (food prices, sourcing foods, production difficulties in food, seasonal foods). This is discussed with the students so they have a deeper understanding of the role food plays within our society.
• Where possible, produce grown during Horticulture lessons are cooked in Food Tech. This gives students an understanding of the Farm to Fork Strategy. Food Tech also works closely with Science – especially with the theoretical aspects of GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition.
• Students regularly will try food for the first time in Food Tech. Through patience and perseverance, students continue to push through sensory barriers and widen their tastes.
• We create differentiated resources across all Key Stages to ensure students can access both theory and practical work in a way that encourages independence. Recipes are created at different support levels to make sure students can do as much for themselves as possible.

What have students gone on to achieve in the subject?

Last year all students achieved a Level 1 BTEC in Home Cooking Skills apart from one student who completed their Level 2. One of our former students is now studying to be a Pastry Chef. The vast majority of students successfully meet their Food-based EHCP objectives.

Food Tech Curriculum: