Contact : Mrs N Downey

Exam Board & Code : AQA AS 5541, A2 2540

Course : 2 Years to full A level

 

What is Food Technology A level about?

Food Technology at A level gives students the opportunity to study the full spectrum of food. Nutrition is studied in depth and the social and health implications of diet are considered and applied to a range of situations. Students will also gain knowledge of food science and will develop a broad range of practical skills by using a wide range of food materials and components.  Students will be given the opportunity to develop and solve problems relating to food design and making.  Through this activity they will gain an understanding of industrial and commercial practices in the food industry.

 

Is this course for me?

This course is for you if you enjoy developing practical food skills and learning through a wide variety of teaching styles. Ideally you should have studied Design Technology at GCSE, preferably Food, and achieved a minimum of a C grade on the higher paper at GCSE. A good working knowledge of Science is advantageous. 

 

What else do I need to know?

This course requires you to provide a variety of ingredients for your lessons on a regular basis which does incur costs.

Good ICT skills are also advantageous to support the presentation of ideas for coursework and to help with the researching and modelling of products. If you are considering Food Science or Dietetics it is wise to study a science at A level.    

What do other students say?

“I have really enjoyed my food lessons, I have been able to plan my work with considerable independence.” 

“Food Technology is a very rewarding subject and it has allowed me to learn in a variety of ways and I have worked around my personal  interests”.

Where could it lead?

Dietician, Food Technologist, Food Scientist, Hospitality Management, Catering, Food Marketing.

 

How is this course structured?

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:  In this unit students study nutrition, dietary planning and ways in which social and environmental factors influence food choice and design. Students also need to consider current health factors and concerns and planning for special dietary needs. The information gained from this unit of study is applied to product development in unit 2.	Written examination 2 hours Weighting 50% of total AS;  25% of total A level mark.
AS Unit 2: This is a design and make unit. Students complete two design portfolios in which they chart the development of their own products within a set context. Practical work and skill development is an important element of this piece of work. The students will be expected to apply their knowledge of nutrition and function of materials through evaluation and development of their products.	Coursework 50 hours Weighting  50% of total AS; 25% of total A level mark.
A2 Unit 3: This unit develops and extends the knowledge and skills gained in Unit 1. Focusing primarily on design and manufacture	Written examination 2 hours  (synoptic ) Weighting 25% total A level mark.
A2 Unit 4: This is a single, substantial design and make unit where knowledge of materials and components gained in AS & A2 are applied to the design and manufacture of the students own product.	Coursework 60 hours Weighting 25% of total A level mark.

 

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