What is Home Economics?
Home Economics is a key subject for all pupils in today’s health orientated society. Exploring Healthy Eating provides opportunities for understanding about the choice, planning, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food. Pupils are provided with opportunities to develop a range of practical skills through the safe use of a range of utensils and appliances. Initially, in year 8 attention is based on Hygiene and Safety. This is followed by the preparation of snacks and simple meals progressing into more complex dishes in Year 10.
Who Studies Home Economics?
As part of the Revised NI Curriculum, Home Economics is a compulsory subject. It is offered at Key Stage 3 to all pupils, both boys and girls in Years 8-10.
It has also proved to be popular choice at Key Stage 4 when a number of students take up this subject for further study at GCSE Level following NICCEA Syllabus. Home Economics – Child Development is another popular subject choice on offer at GCSE Level taken through the OCR Examination Board
What Resources Are Available?
The recently refurbished Home Economics Department reflects a state of the art suite with modern, stimulating and challenging environment. The Head of Home Economics Department is Mrs H. Colbert (B.Ed. Hons). The Department has the luxury of a full-time Home Economics Technician – Mrs B Devennie.
What Examinations Are Taken?
Over time we have built links with personnel outside of the College. Local Midwives and Health Visitors under the auspices of the Southern Regional Trust contribute to a programme whereby all year 10 Pupils can achieve a certificate in Child Care.
The highlight of the Year 12 Child Development is the participation in the Delta Babysitting Programme. This provides them with the opportunity to take home a virtual reality baby!
A further bonus for Year 11 GCSE Students is the opportunity to take the Food Hygiene Examination sanctioned by the Royal Society of Health. This is a great asses for them in the employment sector.
The enthusiasm and commitment in the Home Economics Department are the hallmarks of the teaching. This has paid dividends with a track record of the consistently good results at GCSE Level in both Home Economics and Home Economics-Child Development.
What other activities take place?
Invitations are given to other professionals to speak and share their expertise without students. Sessions provided by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) are particularly enjoyed. Links have been established with South West College Dungannon and Southern Regional College Armagh. These contacts provide a wider exp3eriioence of culinary skills through competitions. Visits to Loughry College, The Food Centre, with hands-on experience showcase the possibilities of further study and employment in the food industry.
