Food Studies

VCE Food and Technology focuses on the importance of food in our daily lives from both a theoretical and practical point of view. The study enables students to apply their theoretical understanding of the relationship between food and technology as they develop skills in food preparation.

The food sector is dynamic, diverse and creative. Innovative food products are continually being introduced into the marketplace in response to changing social and consumer demands. Contemporary society is aware of the links between food, food processing, nutrition, health and well-being, and issues associated with these have become a high priority for consumers. VCE Food and Technology challenges students to make these links and provides them with the opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills to make informed choices when selecting, storing, purchasing, preparing and consuming foods that will contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Students also consider the importance of environmental issues and sustainability practices in food production, as well as the important role of technology in food product development and the way food is produced, processed, packaged and marketed.

Through this study students develop knowledge of the physical, chemical, sensory and functional properties of food and are able to apply this knowledge when using food in a practical situation. They develop and apply the knowledge and skills to prepare food safely and hygienically. Students use the design process, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop food products to suit specific situations or to meet the needs of individual consumers and their lifestyles. In this process, they also develop independent and cooperative learning skills.

The study may provide a foundation for pathways to food science and technology, consumer science, home economics, child care and education, community services and aged care, the hospitality and food manufacturing industries, and nutrition and health studies.

Unit 1: Food origins

This unit focuses on food from historical and cultural perspectives. Students investigate the origins and roles of food through time and across the world. In Area of Study 1 students explore how humanity has historically sourced its food, examining the general progression from hunter-gatherer to rural-based agriculture, to today’s urban living and global trade in food. Students consider the origins and significance of food through inquiry into particular food-producing regions of the world. In Area of Study 2 students focus on Australia. They look at Australian indigenous food prior to European settlement and how food patterns have changed since, particularly through the influence of food production, processing and manufacturing industries and immigration. Students investigate cuisines that are part of Australia’s culinary identity today and reflect on the concept of an Australian cuisine. They consider the influence of technology and globalisation on food patterns. Throughout this unit students complete topical and contemporary practical tasks to enhance, demonstrate and share their learning with others.

AREAS OF STUDY

• Food Around the World
• Food in Australia

Unit 2: Food makers

In this unit students investigate food systems in contemporary Australia. Area of Study 1 focuses on commercial food production industries, while Area of Study 2 looks at food production in small-scale domestic settings, as both a comparison and complement to commercial production. Students gain insight into the significance of food industries to the Australian economy and investigate the capacity of industry to provide safe, high-quality food that meets the needs of consumers. Students use practical skills and knowledge to produce foods and consider a range of evaluation measures to compare their foods to commercial products. They consider the effective provision and preparation of food in the home, and analyse the benefits and challenges of developing and using practical food skills in daily life. In demonstrating their practical skills, students design new food products and adapt recipes to suit particular needs and circumstances. They consider the possible extension of their role as small-scale food producers by exploring potential entrepreneurial opportunities.

AREAS OF STUDY

• Food industries
• Food in the home

 

 

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  Food in the home