Food, Textiles and Childhood studies

We take pride in the diversity of our subjects and believe that we provide students with a valuable learning experience and practical applications which will be relevant to their future lives. All three subjects have opportunities for creativity and innovation. We encourage all our students to be independent enquirers and constantly challenge them to think critically and creatively.

Key Stage 3 Food & Textiles
In Years 7 and 8 pupils experience Food & Textiles studies. Students are encouraged to research, plan and carry out a wide variety of practical activities, including individual, group and pair work. In Year 9 students have the opportunity to continue to study Food in greater depth; to develop vital life skills that enable them to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously as well as demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking using a variety of cooking techniques, ingredients and equipment.

Key Stage 4
We offer a 2-year GCSE course in Food Preparation & Nutrition (AQA). In addition to this we offer Level 2 Award, Child Development and Care (CACHE)

GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition

Student have the opportunity to demonstrate effective and safe cooking skills by planning, preparing and cooking using a variety of food commodities, cooking techniques and equipment. They will develop knowledge and understanding of the functional properties and chemical processes as well as the nutritional content of food and drinks. By the end of the course they will understand the relationship between diet, nutrition and health, including the physiological and psychological effects of poor diet and health. As well as this they will be encouraged to debate the economic, environmental, ethical, and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes, and diet and health choices. We encourage students to explore a range of ingredients and processes from different culinary traditions, to inspire new ideas or modify existing recipes.

Level 2 Award, Child Development and Care

This qualification consists of 3 units: two units graded A*– D assessed by Assessment Tasks and a Synoptic Assessment unit assessed by a Multiple Choice Paper. It includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary when preparing for working with children in a variety of settings. It is aimed at a range of learners who wish to be introduced to childcare and development for children aged 0-5 years. It also gives learners an insight into their preferred learning styles and assists in developing their ability to study. This qualification will enable learners to develop significant transferable knowledge and study skills that will support progression into a variety of further education courses and employment.

Key Stage 5

We have an opportunity for learners to progress from KS4 to KS5 onto Pearson BTEC L3 National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play, Learning and Development. This is equivalent to one A Level.

Learners will complete 50 hours work experience in an early years setting. They will work with children between the ages of birth to seven years. Topics which are covered in school include children’s development from birth 7 years, communication and numeracy, and play and learning. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.