Home Economics is studied by all pupils in Form 1 and Form 2. The allocated time is one period once a fortnight. During this time they are introduced to each of the above areas as well as learning basic practical skills. Many pupils are pleasantly surprised at how good their food tastes, while many parents complain it doesn’t make it home.
Form 3 sees the development of the above areas with a lot more practical undertaken. A highlight for many pupils is the child development coursework when they get to design and produce their own book or toy for a young child.
At GCSE the CCEA course is followed. The structure of the course is an examination worth 40% and two pieces of controlled assessment worth a total of 60%.
The first piece of controlled assessment focuses on Consumer Awareness and is worth 20%. It involves a research based activity, a primary investigation and an evaluation of the process. This is completed in Form 4.
The second piece of controlled assessment focuses on Diet and Health and is worth 40%. It involves planning an activity, a 2 hour practical activity which includes preparing, cooking and presenting dishes and finally an evaluation of the whole process. This is completed during Form 5.
Over the two year course practical skills are developed in preparation for the Diet and Health controlled assessment.
In Form 6 the CCEA course is followed, this is delivered in four modules:
Nutrition for Optimal Health
Priority Health Issues
These two modules are studied in the Lower Sixth year with examinations in January and June.
The modules studied in Middle Sixth are:
Consumer Issues: Food safety issues for the consumer
Coursework – a 4000 word research-based assignment
In June of Middle Sixth, students have one examination. The coursework is completed during the Middle Sixth year, it is worth 25% of the Advanced Level grade. Students select their own area for research, they tend to find the coursework challenging, it is internally marked and externally moderated.
Practical in Form 6 is sporadic due to the demands of the course.