Mrs M Neilson BA
Home Economics is a very broad-based, interesting subject which helps to prepare pupils for important aspects of everyday living. Pupils need to gain the competence and confidence to make informed choices in matters of hygiene, safety, health and diet. The courses offered give a broad provision for the acquisition of this knowledge and understanding and the specialist skills.
The aims of the department are
- To provide a stimulating environment which is conducive to learning about Home Economics.
- To promote values such as good manners, co-operation, self-discipline and to be respectful of others.
- To motivate the pupils by providing opportunities for personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement in the successful execution of a task.
Pupils and staff enjoy working in a bright, spacious environment. It includes a large, modern, multi-purpose teaching room. There is a spacious work area for the study of textiles and the food practical area accommodates 20 pupils working two at a unit. The Staff Resource Base is equipped with adequate storage space, laundry facilities, resource materials and working areas for the staff.
Courses
Primary 3 - 6
Each Primary 3 4 5 and 6 class attends the department for the whole year. The year is divided equally between the study of Textiles and the study of Food. The courses provide the pupils with the opportunity to experience the different aspects of Home Economics. The pupils learn basic practical and organisational skills for each discipline along with the necessary knowledge and understanding required to complete the work successfully.
- Textile studies : Safe and effective use of fabric, equipment, the iron and the sewing machine.
- Food studies : Basic hygiene and safety in the kitchen.
- Safe use of kitchen appliances.
- Simple work practices and basic practical skills.
- Pupils are introduced to Healthy Eating.
S 1 and 2 Food Studies Course 1
This course is completed in two parts, over the two years. The pupils have one unit of 12 lessons in S1 and another unit of 9 lessons in S2. The Food Studies Course 1 aims to develop the pupils' practical, organisational and time management skills. It also enables the pupils to establish an understanding of the basic principles of Healthy Eating, the links between diet and health and the safe and hygienic preparation of food.
S 3 and 4 Food Studies Course 2
In S3 and S4 the courses are completed as units of 8 lessons within the Rolling Programme of that particular year group .The Food Studies Course 2 gives the pupils the opportunity to further develop their practical and organisational skills by preparing a variety of healthy, low-cost, savoury and sweet dishes.
The courses aim to develop useful life-skills which will help prepare the pupils for the future. The courses are non-certificate.
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