The Home Economics syllabus provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in home economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, prepare them for a consumer-oriented society and provide a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism.
It is an applied subject which combines theory with practice with a key focus on the management of resources (material and human) to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, social and economic needs of the individual and the family. The study of home economics emphasises the interdependent relationships that exist between individuals, families and their immediate and distant environments.
Five core areas that all students study:
- Continuous assessments through class tests.
- In house assessments at the end of each rotation.
- Written exam: at the end of the third year.
- Elective Study Project: Students design and make a simple craft item (e.g. wall hanging, cushion cover) and an accompanying folder. Examples of expected craft skills include embroidery, patchwork, appliqué.
- Food Studies Practical Exam: Students will be told what they will cook at least two weeks in advance to allow them time to practice and develop confidence. Most examined dishes have already been practiced by students in first or second year. An external examiner visits for this.
For Junior Certificate, the percentage of marks awarded to each area depends on the student’s level (Higher or Ordinary Level).
Breakdown of Junior Certificate Home Economics
- Community health organisations such as government health departments
- Health promotion and nutrition agencies e.g. sports dietician, nutritionist.
- The food industry
- Restaurant management , chef, cook, baker, waitress/waiter.
- Environmental Health Officer
- Food critic
- Sensory Analysis and development of new foods/products
- Social Care
- Early childhood education
- Retail psychologist
- Consumer research/protection
- Fashion and design
- Fabric construction
- Interior design