Design technology - designing, preparing and making pizzas
In Year 3, children develop their Design and Technology skills by learning about preparing and making food through making their own pizzas. This was part of a larger unit in which the children created and promoted their own pizza restaurants using persuasive writing, before then preparing toppings for their own pizzas. As part of this, the children begin to understand where food comes from and how simple ingredients can be prepared and combined to create a healthy meal.
Firstly, the children learned a little about how cheese is made with a focus on Wensleydale cheese as this is an area they will visit when on Residential in Year 5. Then the children designed their own pizzas, choosing toppings they enjoy, while also learning about healthier options.
Once the children had designed their pizzas, they worked collaboratively to prepare the toppings. To do this, they practised important food skills such as chopping (using child-safe techniques), assembling ingredients and working hygienically. Each group prepared a specific topping, such as tomatoes, peppers, pineapple, or onions, which were then shared with their classmates.
The school kitchen kindly prepared the dough for the children, which was then rolled into the desired shape and topped with the prepared toppings, before being baked in the large school ovens. The finished pizzas were boxed in the children’s own pizza boxes and taken home for tasting. Having eaten the pizzas at home, the children evaluated them back in school, sharing what worked well and what they would change next time. This helps them reflect on their learning and improve their ideas.
This unit builds the foundations for future cooking and nutrition work in later year groups, supporting children to become confident, thoughtful and enthusiastic cooks.
