Introduction to Home Economics
Home economics focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills and attitudes that will enable students to take control of their lives at present and in the future.
Breakdown
Areas studied include
Food Studies
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Diet and Health
- Irish Food Industry
- Food Comoodities
- Food Preparation
- Cooking Processes
- Food Processing and Packaging
- Food Additives
- Food Contamination
- Food Spoilage
- Food Preservation
- Microbiology
- Hygiene and Safety
Food Studies accounts for 45% of the course
Resource Management and Consumer Studies
- Family Resource Management
- Household Finances
- Househol Technology
- Textiles
- Consumer Studies
- Resource Management accounts for 25% of the course
Social Studies
- Sociological concepts
- The Family
- Marriage
Social Studies accounts for 10% of the course
Elective
There are 3 electives from which one will be chosen for study;
- Home Design and Management
- Textiles, Fashion and Design
- Social Studies
The chosen elective in Columba College is Social Studies.
Assessment
Class tests on topics completed and assessment of practical assignments will account for the grade awarded on progress reports throughout year 1 and 2.
Formal State Exam
Food Studies assignments account for 20% of the final grade awarded at leaving Cert. These assignments are;
- Set by the State Exams Commission
- Completed under the supervision of the Home Economics teacher during year 1 and September of year 2
- Recorded in journals from the State Exams Commission
- Assessed by and external examiner
Written Exam
The written exams which accounts for the remaining 80% will be completed in June with the other subjects. The exam covers all topics outlined.
Useful Tips
- Ensure that you know and understand the keywords for each topic / section
- Create Spider diagrams / mind maps for each topic. Your study of the topic is not complete until you have done so.
- Make use of exam questions after you have studied a topic/section. Practise questions keeping to the time suggested
- Make a study plan / timetable for each term revising the topics completed during the term using strategies 1, 2 and 3 above!
- Practical work — Do implementation and evaluations exercises for good studies practical classes that night and file carefully in your folder. Practise tasks in Food Studies.
- Remember practise makes perfect and can also improve your confidence.
Useful websites for students
- www.bordbia.ie — information on all food commodities
- www.fsa.ie — Food Safety Authority
- www.citezeninformation.ie — Information on peoples rights with regard to consumer issues
- www.revenue.ie — Information on the tax system in Ireland
- www.welfare.ie — Information on State Benefits
**Columba College Killucan and LWETB are not responsible for the content of third party websites**