Food Technology in Year 3

Date: 15th Dec 2025 @ 2:56pm

Design and Technology is a study that focuses on planning, designing and creating products for people to use or eat.

There has been a certain tasty buzz in Year 3 over the last few days.  After great success with their Sweet and Savoury Popcorn Year 3 developed their skills with food technology, making Rockin’ Rocky Roads.    

The children are learning to work together; helping each other with their Food Technology skills such as hygiene, designing and making, mastering practical skills and taking inspiration from history and designers.

We looked at how ‘popcorn’ was domesticated in Mexico about 10,000 years age and how corn was ‘popped’ in Peru as early as 4700 BCE.  We read how the ‘Rocky Road’ was created in the 1800s and learned about the world-famous chocolatier called Joseph Draps.  We know the best chocolate comes from the continent of Europe and is produced in countries like Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and the UK.

The children created wonderful seasoned popcorn using salt, pepper, cinnamon, mixed herbs and grated in flavours like orange zest, lemon zest, stem ginger and human thumb (see photo).  Their Rocky roads were made with combinations of marshmallows, biscuits, chocolate cereal, sultanas and a few secret ingredients of their own that we are not allowed to divulge.  We took them home to enjoy.  The cleaning of bowls and spoons and the amount of chocolate around their mouth suggested they were amazing.  

Here’s what the children thought of the popcorn.

‘I learned that corn kernels change their shape when heated.’

‘I liked tasting the salt on the popcorn.’

‘I know different seasoning like salt, pepper, herbs and spice.’

‘Popcorn quickly expands because the water and oil turn to steam and burst out of the shell.’

‘It was cool that we got to hear the corn pop in the microwave.’

Here’s what the children thought of the rocky roads.

‘I loved mixing the dry ingredients in with the melted chocolate.’

‘The best part was when we got to lick our chocolatey fingers.’

‘I enjoyed decorating my rocky roads with stars and sprinkles.’

‘I am looking forward to eating my rocky roads when I get home.’

From my point of view, I thought the children were superb.  A real team effort. Food Technology was a big hit in Year 3 and it seemed everyone thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. I have attached some photographs from our class to show the design process and their amazing final products.

We welcomed Mrs Walker back and what a great support she was.  Mrs Macmillan was also a big help when she wasn’t licking spoons.

I have also included photographs of their amazing Christmas cards which will look superb on your mantle piece.

Mr A Tinkler (Year 3 Teacher and Design & Technology subject leader)