Food Studies

UNIT 1:

Food Origins

This unit focuses on food from historical and cultural perspectives. Students investigate the origins and roles of food through time and across the world.


In Area of Study 1, students explore how humanity has historically sourced its food, examining the general progression from hunter-gatherer to rural-based agriculture, to today’s urban living and global trade in food. Students consider the origins and significance of food through inquiry into particular food-producing regions of the world. 


In Area of Study 2 students focus on Australia. They look at Australian indigenous food prior to European settlement and how food patterns have changed since, particularly through the influence of food production, processing and manufacturing industries and immigration.

UNIT 2:

Food Makers 

Students investigate food systems in both commercial and small scale domestic settings in contemporary Australia. 


Area of Study 1 focuses on commercial food production in Australia, that include primary food production, processing and packaging, distribution and access through the retail and food service sectors, media and marketing, consumption and waste management.

Area of Study 2 focuses on food in the home. Students further explore food production in small-scale domestic settings, as both a comparison and complement to commercial production.. Students use practical skills and knowledge to produce foods and consider a range of evaluation measures to compare their foods to commercial products. They consider the effective provision and preparation of food in the home, and analyse the benefits and challenges of developing and using practical food skills in daily life. In demonstrating their practical skills, students design new food products and adapt recipes to suit particular needs and circumstances. They consider the possible extension of their role as small-scale food producers by exploring potential entrepreneurial opportunities.



Materials- To purchase the necessary food items for practicals throughout the year.

UNIT 3:

Food in Daily Life

This unit investigates the many roles and everyday influences of food. Area of Study 1 explores the science of food: our physical need for it and how it nourishes and sometimes harms our bodies. Students investigate the physiology of eating and appreciating food, and the microbiology of digestion. They also investigate the functional properties of food and the changes that occur during food preparation and cooking. They analyse the scientific rationale behind the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and develop their understanding of diverse nutrient requirements. Area of Study 2 focuses on influences on food choice; how communities, families and individuals change their eating patterns over time and how our food values and behaviours develop within social environments. Students inquire into the role of food in shaping and expressing identity and connectedness and the ways in which food information can be filtered and manipulated. They investigate behavioural principles that assist in the establishment of lifelong, healthy dietary patterns.

UNIT 4:

Food issues, Challenges and Futures

In this unit students examine debates about global and Australian food systems. Area of Study 1 focuses on issues about the environment, ecology, ethics, farming practices, the development and application of technologies, and the challenges of food security, food safety, food wastage, and the use and management of water and land. Students research a selected topic, seeking clarity on current situations and points of view, considering solutions and analysing work undertaken to solve problems and support sustainable futures. 


Area of Study 2 focuses on individual responses to food information and misinformation and the development of food knowledge, skills and habits to empower consumers to make discerning food choices. Students consider how to assess information and draw evidence-based conclusions. They apply this methodology to navigate contemporary food fads, trends and diets. They practise and improve their food selection skills by interpreting food labels and analysing the marketing terms used on food packaging.

Materials- To purchase the necessary food items for practicals throughout the year.


Unit 3 and 4 Assessment breakdown


Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework    30%

Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework    30%

End-of-year examination                        40%