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Home Economics

Staff​

Head of Department

Mrs G McMahon

When we hear the term, ‘Home Economics’ most of us think about cooking and food. Home Economics is about much more than food however. Home Economics combines aspects of science, nutrition, cooking, parenting skills and finance. Students learn about the inter-relationships between diet, health, family, home and choice and the management of resources. Home Economics delivers vital skills that enable students to lead effective lives as individuals and family members as well as members of the wider community. 

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Home Economics gives students a valuable insight into:

  • what’s really in the food we eat everyday;

  • how to plan and cook nutritious and economical meals;

  • how to choose the best food for themselves and their family;

  • the importance of good nutrition and health; and

  • the role of the consumer in modern eating patterns.

Through the teaching of the revised specification in GCSE Home Economics, students develop knowledge and understanding of:

  • home economics;

  • practical home economics skills;

  • diet and health;

  • how to be a discerning consumer;

  • issues that affect the quality of human life;

  • human needs within a multicultural society; and

  • relevant technological and scientific developments.

This specification encourages students to adopt a critical and analytical approach to decision-making and problem-solving in relation to home economics. It also encourages them to develop as effective and independent learners.The new modular specification prepares students for GCE Home Economics and other subject-related courses.

GCSE

Examination - 40%: Examined in Year 12

Students must complete one examination for GCSE Home Ecomonics.  The exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 40 percent of the final award.The exam tests students on their knowledge and understanding of:

Component 1: Diet and Health; and
Component 2: Consumer Awareness. 

 

In the exam, students must respond to short answer, structured and extended writing questions.  All questions are compulsory.The exam is available in summer only.

Controlled Assessment - 60%: Examined in Year 11

Students must complete internal assessments which take the form of controlled tasks.  The class teacher marks the tasks and the tasks are then moderated by the examination board.  The assessments take place in summer, at a date and time suited to the centre. Each task contains the following four compulsory components:

  • a research-based activity (3000 words maximum);

  • a planning activity (1000 words maximum);

  • a practical activity (the practical activities will be carried out under formal supervision); and

  • an evaluation activity (750 words maximum).

These tasks require students to:

  • analyse issues and problems;

  • identify, gather and record relevant information and evidence;

  • analyse and evaluate evidence; and

  • make reasoned justifications and present conclusions.

The students will complete their research-based assignment under conditions that combine both classroom and independent study activities. 
 
Students will work independently when completing the task.  The work of individual students may be informed by working with others, but all students must provide an individual response.As teachers we will guide and supervise students to:

  • outline questions/tasks;

  • monitor progress;

  • prevent plagiarism and repetition;

  • ensure that the contributions of individual students are recorded accurately; and

  • advise on methods of presentation.

Careers

Consumer marketing and market research

Many Home Economists develop careers within marketing departments of organisations that produce or provide consumer goods or services.

 

Consumer Testing

This work may involve design and testing of new consumer appliances or products to meet the growing demand for technical innovation for contemporary lifestyles.

Dietician

A registered dietician is uniquely qualified to translate scientific information about food into practical dietary advice for people on normal and therapeutic diets.

The Food Media

Behind every celebrity chef is a talented Home Economist who frequently goes on to present in their own right. The fast moving and exciting world of the food media includes such work as food photography, food styling, and recipe development for magazines, radio and TV.

 

Food Product Development / Food Technologist

Thousands of new food products appear on the supermarket shelves each year. Home Economists are an integral part of their development, marketing, publicity, testing and evaluation, at every stage from concept to launch and beyond.

Health Promotion

This is an expanding area and home economists have gained employment in many national and local community food and health initiatives e.g. 5- A- Day campaign.

Home Economics Teacher  

Quality Assurance/ Control

In order to comply with stringent UK food and consumer legislation Home Economists gain employment to ensure compliance with the range of quality assurance demands from industry and government.

 

Nursing  

Nutritional Therapist

Nutritional therapists work with individuals to find out which nutritional factors are affecting a person’s general health and well being. They suggest specific changes to each client’s diet in an attempt to prevent or alleviate illness. They will also use their specialist knowledge to promote good health.

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