Specialist School

 Mathematics and Physica

Thornhill College Girls' Grammar School
 Adveniat Regnum Tuum

"Educating concerned, informed, adaptable members of the world community"

Thornhill College, Culmore Road, Derry
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Home Economics

Introduction

Home Economics is a key part of the curriculum at Thornhill College at all levels. All pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 are timetabled for weekly Home Economics classes. Many pupils then continue at GCSE level to study Child Development and Home Economics.

In the Sixth Form, Applied A-level Health and Social Care is very popular and A-level Home Economics is also studied by some students.

 

 

Practical work is very important and forms a central part of the programmes in Years 8, 9 and 10. The pupils learn a wide range of techniques used in the planning of meals within a budget and in the preparation of food.
Key Stage 3 Home Economics

All pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 have weekly lessons in Home Economics.
The programmes of study contain three essential and inter-related strands of experience:

  • Diet and Health - students get the opportunity to develop the understanding required in the choice, planning, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food.

  • Home and Family Life- students explore the importance of the family as a caring unit.

  • Independent Living- students are given the opportunity to understand the importance of becoming discerning and effective consumers in today's economic climate.

Pupils gain the knowledge and skills to understand the relationships between individuals in family, to appreciate the importance of diet in health and well-being, and to plan and prepare a variety of healthy and nourishing meals.

GCSE Child Development

The Home Economics (Child Development) course involves the study of the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of young children from conception up to the age of five years. It is a relevant and stimulating specification to study.

Course Content

The course aims to encourage an understanding of pregnancy, the responsibilities of being a parent, and the overall needs of young children.

Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The course provides a sound basis for the further study of Home Economics and related subjects at a more advanced level.

Assessment

The course is assessed via two components:

  • Written examination - 10-14 short answer questions (worth 60%)

  • One coursework assignment involving practical activities (worth 40%)

Careers 

GCSE Child Development is an excellent course to study for those interested in a career as a primary school teacher, nurse, midwife, child psychologist, speech therapist, paediatrician, health visitor and many roles in the field of medicine.

As well as these chosen careers it is a subject that will be of benefit to everyone later on in their life.

GCSE Home Economics

This course aims to encourage an understanding of the relationship between nutrition, food choice, diet and
health as well as the development of practical skills in food preparation.

Emphasis is placed on the process of exploring issues, the development
of practical food skills and the effective management of resources.

The specification provides a sound basis for the further study of Home
Economics and related subjects at a more advanced level.

Course Content

The course includes the following key areas of study:

  • Family Life

  • Diet and Health

  • Choice and Management of Resources

Practical work involving food preparation forms a key component of the course in each of the above areas.

Assessment

The course is assessed via two components:

  • Written examination - 10-14 short answer questions (worth 50%)

  • One practical assignment involving research and food preparation (worth 50%)

 

GCSE practical (2012)
A-Level Home Economics

The study of A-level Home Economics allows pupils to develop a very thorough understanding of a wide range of issues in home economics and family life. It also provides opportunities to develop practical skills in research, communication, ICT as well as food management and preparation.

The course provides an excellent basis for those seeking further study and/or employment in a wide range of careers, such as industry, commerce, education and the health and social services.
Subject Content

AS-level Home Economics

  • Module 1: Principles of nutrition
  • Module 2: Diet and health
  • Module 3: Lifestyle and health

A2-level Home Economics

  • Module 4: Consumer behaviour and protection
  • Module 5: Coursework assignment
  • Module 6: Food preservation, production and safety
Assessment

AS-level Home Economics

  • Module 1 :45 min examination

  • Module 2: 1h 15min examination

  • Module 3: 1h examination

A2-level Home Economics

  • Module 4: 1h 45min examination

  • Module 5: Coursework assignment based on the research of an issue

  • Module 6: 1h 45min examination