All pupils complete 3 units of food and 3 units of textile throughout S1 and S2.

 Food units

• Ready Steady Cook
• Food and Consumer Technology
• Give Way to Health

During the course pupils will learn about being safe in the kitchen, personal, kitchen and food hygiene, weighing and measuring of food ingredients and the use of the cooker. Pupils develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating and current dietary advice. As pupils progress through the units practical skills and knowledge are embedded and in the final unit pupils undertake a design and make project using a variety of technology, enquiry skills and product design techniques.  Pupils learn through a variety of activities including discussion, individual and group work tasks. Practical cookery using fresh, healthy ingredients is crucial to our role in encouraging pupils to learn about the food they eat.

How can parents help?

• Encourage your child to practice cookery skills at home.
• Ensure your child comes to class prepared with their uniform apron, a suitable container and a tea towel.
• One of the homework tasks is to keep a food diary for a week. Do it with them and discuss the importance of each food.

Textile units

• Ready Steady Sew
• Recycling
• Sew Great

Pupils learn about the importance of safety, various sewing equipment including computerised sewing machines and how to use it effectively. Pupils develop useful practical sewing skills and use these in a Design and Make a puppet project. Developing skills and knowledge further in the next unit pupils learn about fibres and fabrics and their properties. The Design and Make activity is a unique cushion using the technique of appliqué and various decorative techniques.  The final textile unit teaches pupils the importance of recycling and sustainability. The practical project is to make a sock monkey allowing pupils to be creative with not only recycled socks but to use their skills and imagination to embellish and decorate their monkey.

How can parents help?

• Encourage your child to practice sewing at home.
• Sock monkey project requires a pair of socks (they don’t have to match) please ensure your child has them for the start of the project.