Specification = EDEXCEL 1970 Food Technology

What is DT Food Technology?

This is a Design and Technology GCSE using food as the subject for design and making.
Food Technology is the process involved in the conversion of raw materials into edible food products. Food Technology helps students to understand the physical, chemical, nutritional, biological and sensory properties of foods and how to exploit these properties when designing and making food products.

Will I enjoy the course?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:
· Involves cooking food!
· Is both practical and technical
· Involves working alone and within a group
· Is relevant to the consumer society you live in
· Encourages you to be a discerning consumer
· Enables you to design and make products
· Develops a full range of skills that will be useful in other subjects you study and in employment

What about exams?

· There will be one 1 ½ hour exam at the end of your course worth 40% of the total marks. The exam will be made up of 4 questions each worth 10%.

Is there any coursework?

The coursework is the major part of the Design and Technology course. It accounts for 60% of the total marks. You may decide on the project yourself or your teacher may set one for you.
You will be expected to produce a food product with an accompanying A3 design folder of around 15-20 pages. The coursework project is expected to be produced within 40 hours.

What other skills might I develop?

· Analysis of commercial products to form opinions as to their ability to satisfy consumer needs
· Assess how those needs relate to moral, social, ethical and environmental issues
· Problem solving and lateral thinking
· Communication techniques using a variety of media including the use of ICT
· Evaluate traditional and modern manufacturing techniques, reinforcing basis cookery skills.
· The ability to be imaginative and experimental when combining materials and using or developing processes

This GCSE is extremely valuable but it requires commitment, organisation and a determination to give time to your work.