KS3 / GCSE and A level
Home Economics is concerned with helping pupils lead effective lives as individuals and as members of a family and community in a rapidly changing social and economic environment. It involves helping pupils gain knowledge; skills and competence that will help them improve the quality of their lives presently and in the future. This is achieved by educating pupils about the importance of the home and family life in the development of the individual and society. The opportunity is given to develop skills such as managing money, time, energy, food materials and equipment. As home economics is both an academic and practical subject pupils are given lots of opportunity to develop practical skills related to home and family. The teaching methods used to encourage pupils to think critically, make choices and manage change- skills essential for effective living.
Home Economics is taught throughout the college at key stage 3.
The classes are of mixed ability and gender.
All pupils have the opportunity to study home economics and related subjects at key stage 4, details are outlined below for
Occupational Studies – Child development modules
Year 11 The Physical Care Of babies This unit is suitable for learners who wish to develop an understanding of the physical care needs of babies. Learners will identify the basic care needs of babies and develop their knowledge and practical skills to meet these needs.
Learners will not be expected to have access to babies. Learning should be promoted through role-play, discussion and practical activities. Suitable equipment and resources are therefore essential.
Learners would benefit from visiting a childcare setting to observe how babies are cared for
This unit includes:
Consideration of the role of the childcare worker and associated career opportunities;
Basic hygiene needs of babies;
Measures to prevent cross infection;
Consideration of the disposal of waste and related environmental impacts when caring for babies;
Products and clothing for babies;
Feeding babies;
Consideration of health and safety issues when caring for babies;
A review and evaluation of performance.
Year 12 – The Play Environment
This unit will introduce learners to working with children in a childcare environment. It focuses on the importance of play andchildren’s development. It is suitable for those who are interested in child development and who would like to work with children in the future.
This unit includes:
Children’s physical, linguistic, intellectual, emotional and social development;
The importance of play and children’s learning and development;
Books, poems, rhymes and games for the age group of your choice;
Communication difficulties;
Role of the children’s care worker in various settings and related career opportunities;
Consideration of health and safety issues within the unit;
Consideration of environmental issues within the unit;
A review and evaluation of performance
Occupational Studies - Hospitality Modules
Year 11 Patisserie and Baking
This unit provides learners with some of the basic baking principles required by pastry chefs in the catering industry. Learners will apply legislative requirements when handling food and learn how to work safely and hygienically in the catering kitchen. They will learn how to select and use appropriate equipment correctly and will develop the creative skills to decorate and present products for service. The unit also offers an opportunity to understand the breadth of the catering industry, including career opportunities.
This unit includes:
Food hygiene and personal hygiene standards for food handlers;
using equipment safely and considering the health and safety issues in the catering industry;
Preparing, cooking and finishing bread, scones, cakes, biscuits and Pastry products to reflect industry standards;
Recycling, energy conservation and environmental issues in the catering industry;
Employment opportunities in the catering industry; and
A review and evaluation of performance.
Year 12 Contemporary Cuisine
This unit provides learners with some of the basic cooking principles required by cooks and chefs in the catering industry when preparing and cooking a range of starters, main courses and desserts. Learners will apply legislative requirements when handling food and learn how to work safely and hygienically in the catering kitchen. They will learn how to select and use appropriate equipment correctly and will develop creative skills in the finishing and presentation of products for service. The unit also offers an opportunity to understand the scope of the catering industry, including career opportunities.
This unit includes:
Food hygiene and personal hygiene standards for food handlers;
onsideration of career opportunities in the catering industry;
Consideration of safe use of equipment and other health and safety issues in the catering industry;
Preparation, cooking and finishing of four starters, four mains and four desserts;
Safe storage of foods and recycling of packaging;
Healthy eating alternatives;
Consideration of environmental issues in the catering industry; and
A review and evaluation of performance.
At post 16 we are offering 2 BTEC level 3 subsidiary diploma courses:
1. Health and Social Care comprises of 6 portfolio units. Health and social care workers work with diverse groups of vulnerable people including children. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, care homes and peoples own homes. Now is an exciting time to be a care worker because reforms are creating new jobs and flexible ways of working, and there is huge opportunity for career progression.
2. Hospitality comprises of 6 portfolio units. Choosing to study hospitality is an exciting and diverse career path. It provides food, drink and accommodation for people who are away from home, whether travelling, working or on holiday. Pupils will learn a variety of skills that can be used when working in a many settings, including hotels, restaurants, bars and catering businesses.
Extra-curricular activities
The home economics department organises a cookery club. The aims of the club are to:
Encourage pupils to learn and put into practice a range of practical skills
Develop knowledge and understanding of healthy eating and nutrition
Experiment and be creative with food
Give young people confidence and a sense of achievement
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