Standard Grade Home Economics

The course is designed for both girls and boys and is adaptable enough to suit the needs of a fast changing society whilst allowing the pupils themselves an element of choice.

The purpose of home economics is to develop in young people certain important, transferrable skills related to themselves as individuals as well as the establishment and development of a stable family environment. Such skills will enable young people to adapt to a highly technological society, taking account of future social and economic developments.

Course

The two year course is divided into five topics. The knowledge and skills of home economics are developed through practical experiences, discussions, enquiries and investigations which encourage pupils to make reasoned and informed decisions, interpret information, solve problems and apply ideas and principals in a wide range of realistic situations.

Pupils are awarded grades for:

1. Knowledge and understanding
2. Handling information
3. Practical & organisational skills

The practical grade is based entirely on internal (school based) assessment, placing less emphasis on a 'final' exam. As 50% of the mark awarded comes from on-going practical work, it is important to realise the commitment required in this area.

Areas of study include traditional topics like diet, nutrition, health, hygiene & food preparation. Design features in relation to choice and use of equipment materials & resources is a theme throughout the course. There is also a topic that focuses on consumer awareness and the importance of time, money & energy whilst recognising the relationship between individuals, the home and community.

Home Economics contributes to the following careers:

• Product development
• Dietician
• Food demonstrator
• Food presenter
• Nursery teacher
• Advertising
• Product Design
• Home economist
• Nursing
• Catering
• Hotel management
• Sales
• Occupational therapist
• Technician
• Consumer protection
• Food manufacturing
• Beautician
• Hairdresser
• Kitchen Planning
• Skill machinists

Homework

Pupils will be given formal written homework once a week. To ensure high standards of achievement, pupils are asked to get their homework signed by their parent/carer. In addition to this, pupils may have to finish off incomplete classwork eg food orders for practical lessons.

Pathways for S5/6

Pupils who have completed Standard Grade Home Economics can go on to complete courses in Health and Food Technology (at Higher or Int1) or Int 2 Practical Cookery (a very practical based course).

Practical Cookery Intermediate 1 / Access 3

Purpose

This course provides opportunities for students to develop specialist practical skills, acquire and apply specialist food preparation knowledge and develop technological capability. A practical approach makes the course appealing to those who may wish to progress in the food or hospitality industries or to those who wish to brush up practical skills for life in the world beyond school. This course develops problem solving skills and personal effectiveness. As in S1/2, pupils are required to contribute towards the cost of the ingredients on an annual basis.

Course Details

A very practical course made up of 4 units:

• Food hygiene for the Hospitality industry (20 hours)
• Hospitality - organisation of practical skills (20 hours)
• Introduction to food preparation techniques (40 hours)
• Introduction to cookery processes (40 hours)

Assessment

Two types of assessment are used:

1) Internal - Assessment is intended to be a continuous process taking all opportunities for you to show that you have achieved the learning outcomes. Evidence of success falls into two categories:

• Teacher observation - using practical checklist
• End of unit written assessments

2) External -Practical assignment (prepare a 2 course meal)

There is a high percentage of practical work - you will often have to cook twice a week. As assessments are ongoing and practical lessons form the bulk of the assessment it is important that you have a good attendance rate and that you are committed to coming prepared for all practical lessons. Failure to meet these criteria would mean that you would not gain awards for these units.

To gain an award of the course, pupils must achieve all the course units as well as the practical assignments.

Homework

This is a very practical course and therefore being prepared for practical lessons will be one of your largest commitments. In addition to this you will be expected to carry out investigations and finish off any incomplete classwork in your own time.

Pathways for S5/6

Students who achieve Intermediate 1 in practical cookery might progress to:

• Units or a course in Intermediate 2 Practical cookery
• Units or a course in Intermediate 1 Health and Food Technology.

Students who achieve Access 3 in practical cookery might progress to:

• Units or a course in Intermediate 1Practical cookery
• Units or a course in Intermediate 1 Health and Food Technology.

Careers

Possible types of employment include:

• Trainee manager :- large company, small hotel, advertising, retailing, research and development, education;
• Middle management or section head: - head chef, reception, hospitality, housing, health, home care;
• Supervisory posts :- hospitality, food industry, textile industry, retail trade;
• Craft level: - baker, pastry chef, hospitality chef, care assistant, fashion design assistant, textile production worker, machinist.

Units are also accepted by many colleges as credits towards entry.

Early Education and Childcare: Skills for Work (Intermediate 1)

Skills for work courses are designed to help pupils to develop;

This 2 year course is appropriate for anyone who is interested in working with children aged 0 – 12 years. The course is designed to develop skills and knowledge in the area of Childcare and Early Education and has no entry requirement other than as enthusiasm for working in this area .It also aims to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes required by employers. The Early Education and Childcare sector is an area where employment is currently increasing and qualification is becoming mandatory. The Intermediate 1 course is a helpful step in this process.

The course is split into four units:

Pupils taking the course will learn the principles of child development.

They will also investigate health factors which affect child development and how the needs of children can be met. They will learn how to plan and run play sessions which are appropriate to a child's age and needs and understand why play is an essential element of a child's life.

The course will look at careers in childcare and will involve visits from nursery nurses, play leaders, primary school teachers and support for learning assistants which will all help the candidate develop a career plan. Pupils will also be involved in trips out of school in order to see children at play. Candidates will also be required to evaluate and monitor their own skills, qualities and attitudes in relation to those required by the childcare profession.

There is no exam in this subject but students are required to pass National Assessment Bank (NAB) tests and complete a folio of work for each unit. The folio must contain all the required elements and be of a certain standard for the award to be given.

A key feature of this course is learning through practical experience which can include:

This focus on experiential learning and the opportunity to develop employability skills helps pupils to meet the aspirations of A Curriculum for Excellence.