Aims
Home Economics is a subject where pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to help them to be resourceful in their day to day lives.
Pupils will be stimulated and encouraged to explore real life situations related to health and nutrition, family life and independent living.
The overall aim of the Home Economics department is to help our pupils' meet the demands of 21st century life with confidence.
Staff
Miss L Houston (HOD)
Mrs S McGinley
Key Stage 3
Home Economics has an important contribution to make to the whole school curriculum since The Northern Ireland Curriculum placed Home Economics at its core. Home Economics at Key Stage 3 is now a discrete strand of the Learning for Life and Work Area and is mandatory at Key Stage 3.
The subject is based on the following key themes:
1. Healthy Eating
Through the exploration of healthy eating, pupils develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for healthy living. They learn how to plan, prepare, serve, handle and store food safely.
2. Home and Family Life.
This dimension provides opportunities for young people to understand the importance of the family as a caring unit.
3. Independent Living
Pupils learn how to manage resources effectively as well as the importance of being discerning consumers.
GCSE
GCSE Food and Nutrition (CCEA)
The GCSE Food and Nutrition course supports the aim of the Northern Ireland Curriculum to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives.
Overview
The GCSE in Food and Nutrition is a linear course
There are two components: one externally assessed (50%) and one internally assessed (50%)
Both assessments are completed at the end of the course
The course allows students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the
Nutritional content of foods
Nutritional and dietary needs of specific groups and how to cater for them
Health issues associated with dietary and lifestyle choices
Factors affecting how we buy food, what we buy and what we waste
Importance of food safety
Preparation of food, cooking and presentation of dishes
The course allows students to progress to GCE and/or other courses of study or employment.
Students have opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the delivery of the Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3.
Post-16
Nutrition and Food Science (CCEA)
Nutrition and food is essential to everyone. We all need to eat. Northern Ireland's economy benefits greatly from the food our agri-food industry produces.
The choices we make about food affect our health and well-being, so knowledge of nutrition and food science is important. We also need to know how advertising and food labelling can influence the choices we make about what we consume.
To make the correct choices, we need to know about the principles of nutrition and how dietary requirements change throughout our lives.
Overview
There are four assessment units: three externally assessed and one internally assessed.
The course allows students to develop their subject knowledge, understanding and skills in nutrition and food science in relation to a work context.
Assessment at A-level includes a range of question types, demanding evaluative tasks, extended writing, and synoptic assessment that encourage students to develop their understanding of the subject.
The course gives students a sound basis for progression to higher education.
The structure of the AS and A level courses:
AS Unit 1: Principles of Nutrition
AS Unit 2: Diet, Lifestyle and Health
A2 Unit 1: Option A: Food Security and Sustainability/Option B: Food Safety and Quality
A2 Unit 2: Research Project
Extracurricular
The Department often use a range of outside agencies to provide up to date information on the content of Home Economics. A variety of talks, visits, demonstrations and trips are organised within the schemes of work with the aim of enhancing classroom learning and widening pupils’ experiences.
Recent activities have included:
Completion of the RSPH Level 2 Certificate in Special Foods and Nutrition
Livestock and Meat Commission Cookery Demonstration
Visit to Loughry College (CAFRE) for the “Feed Your Mind” Event
Participation in the Young Cook of the Year Competition
Career Talks on the Agri - Food Industry
Visit to Ballycastle Market including a cookery demonstration by celebratory chefs
