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Home Economics

Home Economics is taught to all pupils in Years 8 -10. At GCSE Level Home Economics Food and Nutrition is an option. Pupils can also study BTEC Children’s Play, Learning and Development which is equivalent to two GCSE grades.

 

Home Economics is a subject which combines the study of:

  • diet, health, family, home and resources.

  • These areas are studied through practical and theory lessons.

 

In Home Economics pupils are encouraged to work both independently and in groups. Through this subject we create an atmosphere where pupils can express their opinion and listen to others points of view. We aim to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and competences which will help them to be resourceful in their day to day lives. Pupils will be provided with opportunities to explore real life situations related to health and nutrition, family life and independent living. This subject teaches our pupils key life skills for the future.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN YEARS 8-10?

Year 8

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In Year 8 pupils will study the following topics: Health and safety, Basic Equipment, Weighing & Measuring, The Cooker, Food Storage, Healthy Eating, Caring & Sharing Families, Eat less sugar & saturated fat, What do our bodies need to keep going? And Food labelling.

Practical work in Year 8 will include the following: Beans on toast with a cup of tea, Paddy Pizza, Apple crumble, Scones, Marshmallow Bites, Vegetable Stirfry, Pancakes, Penne Pasta with a speedy tomato sauce, Fruit Muffins, Chicken Pasta Salad, Homemade Sausage Rolls and Fresh Fruit Salad.

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Year 9

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In Year 9 pupils will study the following topics: Base your meals on starchy foods, The power of the media, Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, Managing Resources,   Family relationships,  Eat more fish, Don’t skip breakfast,  Vegetarianism, The Clean Scene,  The needs of young children and The Ethical Consumer

Practical work in Year 9 will include the following:  Wheaten Bread, Orange juice comparative taste test, Leek & Potato Soup, Alternative Apple Tarts, Shortbread, Fish & Chips, Mini traditional Irish Breakfast, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Chicken Curry, Italian Mince and Fairtrade Banana Bread.

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Year 10

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In Year 10 pupils will study the following topics:   Is your food full of it? Eat less salt, Convenience Foods, Foods from around the world, Needs of the elderly, Diet-related disorders, Money Matters, Food on the go and Consumerism

Practical work in Year 10 will include the following:  Crisp comparative test, Chilli Con Carne, Shortcrust Pastry, Mini Quiche, Pizza, Tuna Pasta Bake, Upside Down Pineapple Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cupcakes, Chip topped Mediterranean Pie, Savoury Rice, Homemade Burger and Sweet & Sour Chicken.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN AT GCSE LEVEL?

GCSE Food & Nutrition

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For GCSE Food & Nutrition we follow the CCEA specification.  An outline of the GCSE course is presented below.

Why study Home Economics at GCSE level?

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This GCSE teaches key life skills, which other GCSE subjects cannot offer. It is an extremely valuable GCSE and is an ideal choice for pupils who may wish to pursue a career in food, catering, hospitality, tourism, product development, teaching, business, dietetics and resource and financial management to name but a few. There is an opportunity to pursue this subject to AS/A level and indeed third level education.

 

By choosing this GCSE subject you will 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.

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BTEC Children’s Play, Learning and Development

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BTEC Children’s Play, Learning and Development is also offered within the Home Economics department.  It is the equivalent of 2 GCSE grades. There are three units; core, mandatory and optional specialist units which are completed over the two years. Details are presented below.

Why study BTEC Children’s Play, Learning and Development?

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This course helps to support learners’ development of transferable interpersonal skills, including working with others, problem-solving, independent study, and personal learning and thinking skills which will help them if they choose a career in child care.  Learners could pursue a career within the childcare sector or use these skills in many different opportunities such as further education and other vocational courses.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Home Economics department runs an after school cookery club for pupils in Years 8-10.  This runs 1 afternoon per week from 3.30-4.45pm by both teachers within the department.  Each Year group is given a 5 week slot throughout the year for this club.  It is an excellent opportunity for pupils to enhance and build upon their practical skills whilst having fun with their friends.

 

In June 2016 three Year 10 pupils participated in a cookery competition at Armagh Show.  They were given a list of ingredients one week prior to the show and had to prepare and cook a main dish in 45 minutes.  They were successful and produced a ‘restaurant quality’ dish as quoted by the judges. Well Done Erin, Amy and Hannah!

 

In May 2016 we held our very own ‘Markethill High School Bake-Off’ for Year 10 pupils which proved to be a great success.  The pupils thoroughly enjoyed participating in this. Erin Mackey was the Star Baker with her mobile phone cake. Well Done, Erin!

 

In Year 11 in Food and Nutrition pupils successfully complete their GCSE practical.  Some photographs can be seen below.  

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