Program: Bushfoods, Innovation in Australian Food CURRICULUM FOCUS
Food Technology
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Food | Cultural Innovation | Research & Development | Design
CAPABILITIES Critical & Creative Thinking | Ethics | Intercultural SKILLS FOCUS
Innovation | Initiative | Communication
YEAR LEVEL Year 9 – 10, VCE , VCAL VCE FOODS UNIT 1 Area of Study 2 Food in Australia
DUR ATION ONSITE
1 Day: 9.30am – 2 .30pm
DUR ATION ONLINE
4 – 5 Hours (Including cooking time)
Victoria currently accounts for approximately one-quarter of Australia’s value of agriculture. The State’s ‘bushfoods’ food products are integral to the future of the Australian food industries as we respond to environmental change. Our Bushfoods, Innovation in Australian Food and VCE Masterclass program introduces students to the importance of understanding and using Australian bushfoods. The program focuses on innovation in food, food products and our food culture, with students learning how our Australian food culture has developed in response to cultural influences and changes in society. Students learn about traditional agricultural and farming practices specific to Aboriginal Australia in this region, and how this knowledge can influence our Australian food identity today. Students are taken on a sensory discovery to smell, taste and experience different bushfoods including plants, seeds and fruits. The first team challenge for students is to create a bushfood demonstrating how bushfoods can be used as seasoning and flavouring. In the second part of the day students are taken through the product development process and are challenged to create a new Australian bushfood product – a cookie with a distinct Australian bushfood butter cream. Understanding consumers and how to brand is an essential capability within any industry along with learning how marketing can influence cultural change and social behaviour. “Wonderful passion and knowledge shared with the students that enabled great questioning and engagement throughout the day.” - Partner School Teacher.
VCE FOODS UNIT 1 AREA OF STUDY FOOD IN AUSTRALIA This masterclass focuses on the history and culture of food in Australia introducing students to indigenous food prior to European settlement and the attempts of the first non-indigenous settlers to establish a secure and sustainable food supply. Students discover and explore ingredients indigenous to Australia and how they influence our food culture.
SUCCESS CRITERIA : - Application of Australian bush foods cultural understanding to the pitching of a product - Connection of sensory awareness to design a new product design - Use of creative techniques to market from “paddock to plate” 9