VCE Units 3 & 4 - Food Studies
VCE Units 3 & 4 - Food Studies
Overview
Units 3 & 4 Food Studies teaches students important life skills such as understanding how our body utilises food and what constitutes a healthy diet. They gain an understanding of many factors that influence our food choices and how healthy eating behaviours are developed early on in life. Students also gain an insight into the relationship between food security, sovereignty and citizenship. They then focus on a particular issue with the current food system related to the environment or ethics and explore this is detail seeking clarity on the current situation and consider potential solutions to support a sustainable future.
Unit 3 – Food in Daily Life
In this unit students investigate the many roles and everyday influences of food including the science of food and our physical need for it. How it nourishes our body and sometimes harms. They also focus the influences on food choices and how our eating patterns have changed over time.
Areas of Study
- The Science of Food: Students look at the physiology of digestion and utilisation of macronutrients. Students develop their capacity to analyse food choices and the nutritional rational behind the Australian Dietary Guidelines. They will explore diets which cater for diverse needs through practical activities.
- Food choices, health and wellbeing: Students focus on the patterns of eating in Australia. They look at the relationships between social factors and food access and choices. They look at the social and emotional role of food and inquire into the role of media as an influence and formation of food habits. Students investigate the principles of healthy eating in children and participate in practical activities to develop a healthy repertoire of healthy meals.
Unit 4 – Food issues, challenges and futures
Students examine debates about Australia’s food systems as part of the global food systems and address key issues relating to the challenges of feeding a rising world population. Students develop skills in reading and assessing food information to make discerning food choices.
Areas of Study
- Navigating Food Information: Students focus on food information and draw evidence-based conclusions using food labels and the principle of the Australian Dietary Guidelines to navigate contemporary food trends and diets.
- Environment and Ethics: Students address debates concerning Australian and Global food systems relating to issues on the environment and ethics. They research one selected topic in depth and consider proposed solutions to support a sustainable future.
Forms of Assessment
A range of practical activities, Annotated reports, Written reports, Case Study analysis, Research inquiry report, End of Year exam
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Unit 1 and 2 Food Studies is encouraged but not required.