Home Economics

Teachers in Department

Mrs A Mulholland

Department Aims

Home Economics is a strand of Learning for Life and Work.  We aim to develop many skills including practical, planning, preparation, cooking and serving of food. 

Key Stage 3

Throughout this Key Stage, there are opportunities to learn about healthy food choices, nutrition, consequences of poor diet, prevention of food poisoning, food packaging, labelling and convenience foods.  Section two, involves learning about family life and the varying needs of the individuals, safety, different family circumstances and the difficulties that might arise.  Faith, customs and traditions, in different cultures. The final part deals with consumerism, consumer rights, recycling, ethical shopping, labour saving equipment, methods of shopping and options available to pay.

Throughout the Key Stage, we work closely with other departments in the school, including Numeracy, Literacy, ICT, Geography, Science, Drama and Languages.

We also contribute to the whole school ICT work by preparing a task for Key Stage 3 ICT Accreditation, covering a range of levels. 

Key Stage 4

CCEA GCSE Home Economics and GCSE Child Development are offered, according to demand.  Information on the full course content, specification, past papers and solutions, for either option can be viewed by clicking on the following link.

http://www.rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/home_economics/            

Careers within your subject.

Careers are discussed at all levels ‘from farm to fork’ throughout Key Stage 3 and 4, in the Food Industry.  When studying Child Development, there is a host of possible professions that the qualification can lead to and these are discussed, as each arises.  A variety of guest speakers are invited into lessons and these people explain their roles at length and the associated jobs, in the industry. 

Other Information – Rewards, Events or Activities

The Department uses a range of outside agencies to provide up to date information on the subject content. A variety of talks, visits, presentations, demonstrations and trips are organised with the aim of enhancing classroom learning and widening pupils’ experiences.

These include:

Livestock and Meat Commission Cookery Demonstration

N I Water presentation

Visit to Loughry College (CAFRE) for the “Feed Your Mind” Event

Visit to Tesco to examine food labels, food storage and various jobs associated with the work and deliveries.

Career Talks on the Agri - Food Industry

Trip to Balmoral show to experience food demonstrations, food sampling, new products and equipment.

Health Visitor to discuss topics and answer questions, relating to the job.