Focus: food

Reproduced by permission of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)

The ideas in this section of the site link directly to the QCA Design and technology at key stage 3

Full details of this unit can be found at:

http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes2/secondary_dt/dat09bi/

The main aim of this unit is for pupils to learn about designing for manufacturing and the main commercial processes that are used by manufacturers. The emphasis is on thinking about how a product will be made as an integral part of the design process, rather than as an afterthought once the design is complete.

In our interpretation of this unit, pupils tackle one of two design and make assignments (DMAs) on the themes 'Mini-enterprise' and 'Designer-makers'.

Pupils gain the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to carry out the DMA successfully through product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks. They:

• design a product that is suitable for manufacture in volume
• learn how manufacturers generate and develop new ideas for products, eg lifestyle research, prototyping
• learn what is meant by 'one-off' and 'high-volume' production
• find out about the main commercial food manufacturing processes, eg heating, reducing temperature
• learn how quality assurance systems, eg HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), are used during the design stage to plan safe food production and storage
• learn how ICT influences designing and manufacturing in industry, and how computer-controlled systems are used in industry and commerce
• explore how repetitive quality can be assured with CAM (computer-aided manufacture)
• learn that users often place a different value on hand-made products and products designed and produced in high volume