Guthlaxton College Food Technology Department Background
The department has been running since the college first opened in the 1950’s and it has seen many changes in staff and course developments as well as teaching techniques. The current staff includes:
- Mrs Christine Vaughan Subject Leader
- Mrs Ailie Pollon Assistant Teacher
- Mrs Debra Mortel Support Staff (part time)
Not only is Food Technology a successful subject in terms of exam achievement, it has also become very popular amongst all students.
In recent years numbers have increased significantly both at GCSE and A level.
There are two specialist food rooms, which have been refurbished and are fully equipped to offer each student the opportunity to develop a wide range of practical skills as well as build theoretical knowledge, thus preparing them for independent living. Those with a genuine interest and flair are also able to pursue a worthwhile career in the food industry.
Enrichment Opportunities
In addition to the academic programme, we also offer a wide range of other opportunities to engage and motivate our students. These include:
- Young Chef of the Year Competition – open to all Year groups and sponsored by the Wigston Rotary Club
- Internal Competitions – Healthy Eating, Festive Fayre and Master Chef
- Visit to the Good Food Show to meet many of the top celebrity Chefs – open to Year 11, 12 and 13 students
- Hells Kitchen – two teams of Sixth Form students practising their culinary skills and competing against each other.
Young Chef of the Year Competition
Students who study Food Technology have the advantage of developing their creative skills to enable them to enter the Young Chef of the Year Competition.
This is an annual event and students from all age groups are encouraged to take park.
This year the competition was held in January and 13 students were involved.
Louise Durrant in year 13 claimed 1st prize, and Roxanne Parker in year 12 claimed 2nd prize. It is a prestigious award, and allows the winner to progress to both district and national level.
What do the students think?
Here are a few comments, written by our current students:
- Get to make lots of products.
- Choice of products to make.
- Well equipped.
I feel that the Food Tech rooms are well equipped. If there is a shortage of oven space (which there rarely is) the room next door is always free to use. In Food Tech I’ve always got to make my own products, plus in each topic you get the chance to make lots of products. There is a good atmosphere and the people here are always very helpful.
(Chris Jones)
I think Food Tech at Guthlaxton is great. The room is well-equipped with everything you need. You are given the choice of what you want to make, instead of just being told what to make. You can also take a food hygiene exam. I took this exam and passed. You will be awarded with a certificate, which will stay with you for the rest of your life. This will look good on your CV.
(Leighann Tattershall)
Food Technology is a great course to take at Guthlaxton. If you like cooking like me, you will enjoy Food Technology lessons. You cannot only show off your cooking skills here, you also have to be determined to learn also.
(Amy Rodwell)
Food Technology is a great subject because you learn new skills and get to design and make your own products, as well as being able to eat them too!
(Roxanne Parker)
I enjoy Food Technology, as it is fun and allows me to become more independent.
(Alice Kennedy)