VCE Technology
Food Studies
Units 1, 2, 3 & 4
Course description:
VCE Food Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of food, with an emphasis on extending food knowledge and skills and building individual pathways to health and wellbeing through the application of practical food skills. VCE Food Studies provides a framework for informed and confident food selection and food preparation within today’s complex architecture of influences and choices. Students explore food from a wide range of perspectives. They study past and present patterns of eating, Australian and global food production systems and the many physical and social functions and roles of food. They research economic, environmental and ethical dimensions of food and critically evaluate information, marketing messages and new trends. Practical work is integral to Food Studies and includes cooking, demonstrations, creating and responding to design briefs, dietary analysis, food sampling and taste-testing, sensory analysis and product analysis
The study is made up of four units.
Unit 1: Food origins
Unit 2: Food makers
Unit 3: Food in daily life
Unit 4: Food issues, challenges and futures
Assessment:
Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 30 per cent
Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 30 per cent
End-of-year examination: 40 per cent.
Expected Skills:
Basic knowledge and interest in food preparation and hospitality.
Computing/Informatics
It is an advantage to study Year 9 Digital Technologies, Year 10 Computing or Design, coding and robotics.
It is highly recommended that students successfully complete Units 1 & 2 before undertaking
Units 3 & 4.
Units 1 & 2 Applied Computing, Units 3 & 4 Data Analytics
Course Description:
VCE Computing focuses on the application of a problem-solving methodology, and strategies and techniques for managing information systems in a range of contexts, to create digital solutions that meet specific needs. The study examines the attributes of each component of an information system including people, processes, data and digital systems (hardware, software, networks), and how their interrelationships affect the types and quality of digital solutions.
Unit 1 & 2: Applied Computing
In Unit 1 students are introduced to the stages of the problem-solving methodology. Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to create data visualisations, and the use of programming languages to develop working software solutions.
In Unit 2 students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified, and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment.
Unit 3 & 4: Data Analytics
In Unit 3 students apply the problem-solving methodology to identify and extract data through the use of software tools such as database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software to create data visualisations or infographics. Students develop an understanding
of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology.
In Unit 4 students focus on determining the findings of a research question by developing infographics or dynamic data visualisations based on large complex data sets and on the security strategies used by an organisation to protect data and information from threats.
Assessment:
Consists of the following:
- Designing and developing solutions in response to design briefs using digital systems and techniques
- Written reports
- Visual and/or oral presentations
- Tests and Examinations
Expected Skills:
Basic interest, skills and knowledge in computing/digital technology. Sound design, thinking and problem-solving skills.
Product Design and Technology
For students wishing to undertakethis subject, Year 9 and 10 Woodwork and/or Material Studies is recommended
Units 1, 2, 3 & 4
Course Description:
VCE Product Design and Technology requires students to develop effective design practice. The design process involves identification of a real need that is then articulated in a design brief. The need is investigated and informed by research to aid the development of solutions that take the form of physical, three-dimensional functional products. Development of these solutions requires the application of technology and a variety of cognitive and physical skills, including creative design thinking, drawing and computer-aided design, testing processes and materials, planning, construction, fabrication and evaluation. In VCE Product Design and Technology students assume the role of a designer-maker. In adopting this role, they acquire and apply knowledge of factors that influence design.
Unit 1: Product re-design and sustainability
This unit focuses on the analysis, modification and improvement of a product design with consideration of the materials used and issues of sustainability.
Unit 2: Collaborative design
In this unit students work in teams to design and develop an item in a product range or contribute to the design, planning and production of a group product. They focus on factors including: human needs and wants; function, purpose and context for product design; aesthetics; materials and sustainability; and the impact of these factors on a design solution.
Unit 3: Applying the product design process
In this unit students are engaged in the design and development of a product that meets the needs and expectations of a client and/or an end-user, developed through a design process and influenced by a range of complex factors.
Unit 4: Product development and evaluation
In this unit students learn that evaluations are made at various points of product design, development and production. In the role of designer, students judge the suitability and viability of design ideas and options referring to the design brief and evaluation criteria in collaboration with a client and/or an end-user. Comparisons between similar products help to judge the success of a product in relation to a range of product design factors. The environmental, economic and social impact of products throughout their life cycle can be analysed and evaluated with reference to the product design factors.
Assessment:
Assessment tasks may consist of the following:
- Designing and developing solutions in response to design briefs using materials and production processes.
- Written Reports
- Tests
- Examination
Expected Skills:
Basic knowledge and interest in woodwork and/or metalwork. It is highly recommended that students successfully complete Units 1 & 2 before undertaking Units 3 & 4.