Home Economics is a subject where you will learn how to take care of yourself, others, your home and your environment. As Home Economics is a very practical subject, you will carry out a lot of activities in school and at home.
The Junior Certificate Home Economics syllabus provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for living as individuals and as members of a family. In a time of rapid social change, the study of home economics is very relevant to the present and future social, creative and management needs and skills for living that are so vital to preparing every young person for the opportunities and challenges, which they will meet in the course of their lives. It provides for a wide range of educational experiences in the aesthetic, creative, physical, scientific, social, and environmental domains.
The syllabus is based on three strands: 1. food health and culinary skills, 2. textiles and crafts, and 3. responsible family living. It is hoped that these areas of study will provide students with a greater sense and understanding of 1. Individual and family empowerment, 2. Health and wellbeing, 3. Sustainable and responsible living, and 4. Consumer competence.
What will I learn in Home Economics?
Some of the things you will learn about are:
- your body - what is good to eat and how to keep healthy
- food - how it nourishes your body, how to choose it, store it, and how to prepare and cook it
- using money - how to spend it wisely, how to save it, and how you are protected as a consumer
- your home - about design in the home, about safety and hygiene
- design and craftwork, child development, textiles – you will carry out a project in one of these areas.
"Home Economics stands for the ideal home life for today unhampered by the traditions of the past and the utilization of all the resources of modern science to improve home life."
Ellen Swallow Richards