Food Studies

Students undertaking Food Studies this year have commenced the year extremely well. Year 7C students have been initiated into the food technology room and have learned how to use small and large equipment safely and hygienically. They have made a number of dishes including a healthy breakfast, chocolate truffles, a vegetable platter with a cream cheese dip and fruit kebabs with chocolate dipping sauce.

Year 8 students have been working hard on more complex recipes this year. So far they have made Blonde Brownies and Pasties and have focused on making healthy meals starting with making Ham and Mushroom Pasta and Shepherd’s Pie and Apple Crumble with custard. Students have learned how to evaluate these meals using the Australia Guide to Healthy eating. Students have also produced a fruit milkshake of their own design.

Year 9 requires students to step up to producing goods which are of ‘sellable’ quality. They have already made Jam Drops, Cheese Triangles and designed and made emoji biscuits. They have also designed and made healthy quick break pizzas and are commencing planning a celebration cake. Students have also been studying environmentally sustainable food production by looking at food miles and carbon footprint made through food production.

Year 11 have been looking at the origin of the foods currently eaten around the world. They have looked at ancient foods and ancient grains and have used these in their practicals. They have looked at food production technology and how it has changed over time and are currently studying Australian Bush foods. They will be using a number of Native plants and ingredients in their next major production including finger limes, native pepper-berries, native mint, Davison plums and other unusual ingredients in a fusion dish they are designing and evaluating. They have completed in-depth studies into the Wheat Industry in Australia.

I ask parents to ensure that all students bring a container to class on their allocated Food Studies lesson. A clean empty ice-cream container or take-away container is good, there is no need to send the ‘best’ Tupperware!

Fiona Matthews

Food Technology