At North Star 180°, our Food Technology curriculum is designed to meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Learning is carefully
structured to be practical, engaging, and meaningful, supporting pupils to develop essential knowledge, life skills, and independence. Through a well‑sequenced, personalised approach, pupils make progress from their individual starting points, building confidence, resilience, and readiness for adulthood.

Intent

The intent of the Food Technology curriculum in Secondary isto: 

·        Develop pupils’ practical cooking skills, enabling them to prepare a range of simple and complex dishes safely and independently.

·        Foster an understanding of nutrition, healthy eating habits, and food safety that supports lifelong wellbeing.

·        Support emotional resilience, social development, and teamwork within a safe and nurturing learning environment, provide opportunities for creativity, problem‑solving, and self‑expression through food.

·        Ensure learning aligns with EHCP outcomes, including communication, independence, regulation, and preparation for life
beyond school – budgeting, employability, and healthy independent living.

The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring all pupils can achieve and succeed regardless of need.

Implementation

The Food Technology curriculum secondary is implemented through:

·        A carefully sequenced curriculum built around Food a Fact of Life, National Curriculum guidance, and the specific needs of
SEMH learners.

·        Key strands include food science, nutrition, budget-friendly cooking, meal planning, and building practical competency.

·        Hands‑on practical lessons are central to learning, giving pupils repeated opportunities to practise and refine key skills.

·        Theory is taught through accessible, scaffolded activities reinforced through practical application.

·        Highly structured routines, clear expectations, and predictable lesson formats reduce anxiety and support engagement.

·        Adaptations include modelling, visuals, scaffolding, and adaptive teaching strategies.

·        Formative assessment takes place in every lesson, focusing on personal progress and skill development.

·        Summative assessments track culinary skills, nutritional understanding, and independence.

Impact

The impact of the Food Technology curriculum is demonstrated by:

·        Pupils show improved confidence, self-esteem, and pride in their achievements.

·        Development of strong practical cooking skills and improved food safety understanding.

·        Better social interaction and reduction in behavioural incidents through collaborative learning.

·        Improved readiness for adulthood and potential employability in hospitality.

·        Positive parental and community feedback on pupil attitudes toward food and cooking