The focus of Home Economics is the home and the family. Home Economics is a practical subject. Tasks are related to the home and family e.g. preparation of a snack meal suitable for a primary school child or a breakfast for a busy family on a week-day morning.
Here are some of the areas studied by each Year group at Key Stage 3.
Year 8 Pupils begin their study of Home Economics by learning about hygiene and safety in the preparation of healthy snacks for themselves e.g. Milk Shakes or Smoothies with fresh fruit.
Year 9 Pupils learn about their rights as consumers e.g. how to return faulty goods, traditional foods in
Year 10 Pupils focus on parent /teenage relationships, family life, healthy eating and consumer studies. An important aspect of the course is a project on one of the dietary goals,Eat Less Fat.
Pupils are encouraged to work both independently and in groups.
Practical food preparation tasks are carried out regularly in all Year groups.
Comments made by parents about their son's/daughter's progress in
Home Economics.
"I am really pleased that Rachel is so much more confident in doing practical tasks."
"The food that Mark has made is lovely, he really enjoys cooking."
"James is able to make a snack for himself ? and clean up afterwards!"
"We are now making breakfast in the morning. I've been told how important it is. Apparently it helps concentration in school."
A favourite
Soda Fruit Loaf
200g soda bread flour
25g polyunsaturated margarine
25g sugar
50g dried fruit
150mls buttermilk
Method:
- Grease a loaf tin (500g).
- Sieve dry ingredients.
- Rub in margarine. Add sugar and dried fruit.
- Mix to and elastic dough with buttermilk.
- Knead lightly on a floured surface.
- Place in loaf tin.
- Bake 30-35 minutes at 200C/Gas 6
- Cool on a wire tray.
Key Stage 4: Pupils who choose to study Home Economics at Key Stage 4 follow theNorthern Ireland Council For The Curriculum Examinations And Assessment GCSE.
This syllabus addresses the following areas, Diet and Health, Family Life and Choice and Management of Resources.
Assessment is based on :
A written examination paper 50%
Coursework /practical 50%