food technology

Students learn about food in a variety of settings, enabling them to evaluate the relationships between food, technology, nutritional status and the quality of life. The major emphasis of the Food Technology syllabus is on students exploring food-related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regard to food. Students develop the ability and confidence to design, produce and evaluate solutions to situations involving food. They learn about Work Health and Safety issues, and learn to select and use appropriate ingredients, methods and equipment safely and competently.

Students learn about food through the following focus areas:

• Food in Australia - Students examine the history of food in Australia, including bush tucker prepared in the past and present by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the influence of early European settlers, together with continuing immigration from a variety of cultures, and examine the subsequent effects on contemporary Australian eating patterns. 

• Food Equity - Students examine food production and distribution globally and how this is influenced by factors such as transport, infrastructure, political environment and geographic considerations. 

• Food Product Development - Students examine the reasons for developing food products and the impact of past and present food product innovations on society. 

• Food Selection and Health - Students examine the role of food and its nutritional components in the body. They explore the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, and explain the effects of poor nutrition.

• Food Service and Catering - Students examine food service and catering ventures and their ethical operations across a variety of settings and investigate employment opportunities. 

• Food for Specific Needs - Foods for specific needs arise for a variety of reasons including age, health, lifestyle choices, cultural influences or logistical circumstances. 

• Food for Special Occasions - Students explore a range of special occasions including social, cultural, religious, historical and family. They examine small and large-scale catering establishments. 

• Food Trends- Students examine historical and current food trends and explore factors that influence their appeal and acceptability. 

In order to be successful in this course you will need: to have their own laptop to complete tasks. It is also mandatory that students undertake practical activities and so personal protective equipment is required. 

1. Is there much cooking in Food Technology?

 Most topics have a supporting practical which reinforces the principle/topic studied eg. nutritional topics may be complemented with a Poke Bowl practical or specific dietary needs may be supported by Gluten Free Chocolate Cake. Students will cook every fortnight.  

2. What equipment do I need?

A fully organised note system, whether on device and/or books. An apron, hat, closed in leather shoes and a container for your food. No equipment in practical lessons means you will have to do theory work for that lesson.

      3. Are assessments theory or practical?

They can be a combination or one or the other. Your teacher will go through this with you at the beginning of each unit. Assessment tasks incorporate practical components to assess skills in the kitchen.

     4. Can I use my phone to take photographs of my food products ?

Yes this is encouraged to ensure you make every effort to style your food to make it photo worthy to edit, share and ultimately take pride in your work. We have St Pat’s Instagram account.

     5. Do I have to supply my own food

Mostly not, but sometimes a practical assessment will require you to bring in some items.

     6. Can we get involved in school catering events?

Yes. Sometimes Stage 5 Food Technology students will be required to assist with catering such as school barbeques, the school musical, Shrove Tuesday, swimming and athletics carnivals etc.

1. There are no prerequisites for Stage 6 courses. However, undertaking Stage 5 Food Technology will benefit students that would like to undertake: 

• Stage 6 Food Technology

• VET Hospitality