Home Economics Syllabus

1. RATIONALE

Home Economics has a direct relevance to the present and future life of every young Person.

Its purpose is to equip young people in certain important skills for living as individuals and of establishing and developing a stable environment for their families. It encompasses studies of many of the processes which are necessary for day to day living, particularly within the houshold.

The main areas focus on the basic human needs for food, clothing, shelter and personal relationships. The disciplined study of the interrelationships of these areas is one of the major contributions of the subject to the curriculum.

Home Economics builds o n the pupils' knowledge of different forms of home life and o n their immediate experience of making choices in relation to the organisation of their own lives.

Emphasis througout the course is on management, creativity and living skills. This is to ensure that the young person taking the course will be equipped for personal independence and is able to take shared responsibility in the household and community in which he or she lives.

2. Aims

The aims of Junior Certificate Home Economics are - to provide pupils with knowledge and practical skills for application in the process of everyday life within the home and community.

To ensure that pupils will be capable of wise decision-making in areas related to the management of their personal resources.

To develop in pupils competence in making wise consumer decisions.

To develop interest in the vocational aspects of the subject.

3. Course Objectives

By Course Objectives is meant the concepts, knowledge, skills and attitudes which pupils should acquire and develop through this Home Economics course.

3.1 Concepts

Pupils will develop understanding of the key concepts on which the syllabus is based.

Personal Management - in order to develop understanding and knowledge of organisation and decision-making process.

Consumer Competence - in order that pupils may become discerning consumers.

3.2 Knowledge

Pupils should acquire information and develop understanding of resource management processes in relation to the home. They should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of relevant principles, terminology, facts and theories relating to Home Economics;
• understand how resource management affects the quality of life;
• identify priorities within a set of constraints;
• evaluate the effects of a course of action;
• be aware of social, economic and technological aspects of home economics and their application to everyday life;
• understand the inter-relationship with other disciplines;
• develop the potential of the individual through creative and practical experiences.

THE ITEMS OF KNOWLEDGEGE SHOULD BE SELECTED CAREFULLY TO ENSURE SUITABILITY FOR ALL PUPILS FROM THE VARYING SOCIAL AND ECEINOMIC BACKGROUND. SIMILARLY THE ITEMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF BEING TAUGTHT IN SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY WHERE CONDITIONS AND CIIRCUMSTANCES VARY CONSIDERABRLY. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE IS PREFERABLE WHERE SUITABLE E.G. DESIGNING, PREPARING AND PRESENTING FOOD FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE, AND OCCASIONS.

3.3 Skills

Pupils should be able -

(i) to use a variety of methods to develop cognitive skills such as investigative method, discovery-learning and problem-solving.

(ii) to demonstrate the following practical skills:

manipulative skills and manual dexterity
the use of a range of tools and equipment
the ability to weigh and measure accurately
procedural skills, e.g. the ability to understand and follow instructions on worksheets and assignments (to carry out a range of processes)
evaluation of practical work

{iii) to obtain and retrieve information from various sources. (independent study, including project work and practical investigation).

(iv) to use certain affective skills including creativity, imagination, curiosity, intuition, improvisation, sensitivity and resourcefulness.

(v) to record information accurately.

(vi) to interpret data and to translate information from one form to another, e.g. use of symbols, etc.

3.4 Attitudes

Pupils should be encouraged

(i) to develop positive attitudes towards themselves, their home and their community.

(ii) to develop a sense of safety and hygiene in the workroom/classroom, at home add in the community.

(iii) to develop discernment and judgement in consumer matters.

(iv) to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to differences between family units.

(v) to develop a sense of accuracy and attention to detail.

(vi) to develop a sense of co-operation, flexibility, improvisation, responsibility and tolerance.

4. Syllabus Structure

4.1 The syllabus structure consists of two sections:-

• a common course of FIVE areas of study
• ONE optional study, from a choice of three

4.2 The five areas of study in the ccmmon course are listed below, together with the recommended proportion of time to be allocated:

4.3 One optional study will be chosen from the following three, and is worth 15%-

• Childcare
• Design and Craftwork
• Textile Skills

4.4 The options are structured so that pupils can undertake a more detailed study of (me area of the common course. Thus, childcare is related to Social and Health Studies, Design and Craftwork to Resource Management and Home Studies, and Textile skills to Textile Studies.

In the presentation of this syllabus, therefore, each option is appended to its related area of study in the common course.

5. Level Differentiation

5.1 The syllabus is offered at two levels, Ordinary and Higher.

5.2 The syllabus framework is common to both levels. At Higher level students will be required to demonstrate a greater degree of proficiency in all the skills and a greater understanding of concepts and issues.

6.1 Food Studies/ Culinary Skills

Food Studies should enable pupils to understand food in relation to health. The purpose of the Culinary Skills component is to ensure that each student is capable of completing a range o f skills necessary to b e self-sufficient in the planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of food for individuals and family groups.

Culinary Skills will also help develop and highlight particular aptitudes in the culinary areas and may help to develop their interest in the vocational aspects of the food industry. Food Studies and Culinary Skills is concerned with:

• the part diet plays in health - a study of the nutritional requirements of different needs.
• factors affecting eating habits.
• awareness of current dietary advice and issues.
• the digestion and absorption of food.
• presentation of food.
• food costs in relation to total budget.

Content

• Food in relation to healthy eating.
• Diet and eating habits/nutrition.
• Food hygiene - safe and clean practices in the kitchen.
• Food choices - choosing food for particular needs e.g. nutritional needs, dietary needs and budget.
• Food storage - simple preservation and freezing.
• Food Preparation: interpretation of recipes, weighing and measuring of ingredients, effective organization of work, basic food preparation skills, methods of presentation.
• Planning, preparing and cooking dishes for different meals and needs to include all food groups.
• Methods of cooking.
• Equipment: correct use, maintenance o f appliances and equipment found commonly in the kitchen with reference to efficiency, energy efficiency and safety.
• Good safety and hygiene practices.
• Management principles in relation to food.
• Cooking principles in relation t o food.
• Equipment and utensils.
• Terminology and measurements.
• Meal planning.
• Consumer decisions related to food purchasing.
• Food preparation.
• Food presentation.

Upon completion the pupils should know the following:

• Why good health depends o n eating a variety of foods.
• Why there is a range of dietary needs among people.
• Why current dietary advice should be considered.
• Why hygiene in relation to handling of food and personal well-being is important.
• Why safe and clean practices in the use of resources and procedure are important.
• How the management of personal expenditure on food depends on individual priorities.
• Why individuals have different priorities about values and living patterns in relation to food.
• How food is processed and preserved.
• How to plan, prepare, cook and present food in order to meet the above needs.

6.2 Consumer Studies

Consumers use materials, products and services. Individuals' needs and wants vary so it is important to understand the factors that influence decisions when buying goods or services related to the home. Consumer competence is a key concept within Home Economics, consequently consumer studies permeates the course.

This section is concerned with:

• Confiner awareness and procedures in relation to rights and responsibilities.
• Budgeting; decision-making related to purchase of food, furnishing, equipment, appliances and perscnal items; money as a resource.
• Principles and methods used in advertising; their effects on the consumer.
• An understanding and appreciation of Quality in consumer products and services.
• Awareness of contemporary consumer issues related to the home.

Consumer Studies: Content

• The consumer: rights and responsibilities
• Money Management: planning a budget
• Case studies of personal and household budgets
• Quality control -
  standards
  care labels
  packaging
  labelling
  date marking
  guarantees
• Advertising -
  the method used
  the message intended
  the overall effect on the consumer
• Case studies of different media used, (TV, radio, print, billboard) for various personal items, household products and household services.
• Lodging a consumer complaint -
  Case studies
• Contemporary consumer issues related to the home and to the environment.

Upon completion students should be able to:

• Evaluate consumer products and services in terms of Quality.
• Prepare case studies of personal and household budgets.
• Understand the principle of budgeting including savings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of consumer rights and responsibilities.
• Present oral and written complaint.
• Carry out simple research into household consumer products.

6.3 Social and Health Studies

This section of the course deals with issues which influence the lifestyles and expectations of young people. It should increase their understanding of themselves and the world in which they are growing up. It complements each of the other sections.

This section is concerned with

• the family: roles within the family, including the role of parenthood
• changing relationships within the family
• being an adolescent in contemporary society
• the effects that external influences have on young people
• the concept of healthy living
• the importance of hygiene
• health hazards in our society and the problems they create
• sex education

Content of Social and Health Studies

• Stages of development prior to adolesence
• Adolesence - the developmental stage of growing u p (physical, emotional, social and moral dimensions).
• Changing role of the adolescent within the home - relationships with parents, siblings, extended family and peers.
• Roles/Stereotypes/Equality - within the home, school, community and employment.
• Health education Care of the body

Hygiene

• Health hazards - smoking, alcohol and other substance abuse
• Sex education: (See Department of Education Guidelines)
• Leisure - use o f leisure time - sport, exercise and other leisure pursuits
• Social skills - norms of behaviour

Upon completion the students should have a good understanding of:

• individual roles within the family
• the role of the adolescent in society
• use of leisure time/social skills
• the developmental stages of growing up: physical, emotional, social and moral dimensions
• factors which promote or inhibit healthy living
• relationships between family members - children and parents.

Optional study - Childcare

The main study of this option is child development. It is concerned with the basic physical, mental and emotional development of the child in the family in its formative years.

The purpose is to help pupils develop a knowledge of themselves and to develop inter-personal skills and caring skills. This should be a help in their own family situation and for later life.

Objective: To make pupils aware of the relationship between the environment and child development.

Content of Childcare Skills

• the beginning of human life
• basic understanding of conception, birth and the first years
• physical health - basic understanding of the physical developtuent of the child
• mental health - basic understanding of development of the mind of the child
• emotional health - basic understanding of development of the feelings of the child

6.4 Resource Management and Home Studies

This section provides a basic introduction to the concept of management and to the concept of shelter that a 'home' provides.

Management has a fundamental role in helping families meet the increasing complexities with which they are faced. It involves the ability to make choices and decisions using particular knowledge and skills. It is important as it provides a framework through which tasks are carried out. Through good management, goals are achieved.

Shelter is a basic need, relating to our physical need for protection. Human beings also have psychological needs. What we call "home" provides us with these needs as it provides security°

Taste and decor within the home are to a large extent a matter of personal choice.

This section deals with:

• the concept of management and how it applies to the home
• the application of management processes to everyday living
• making the best use of the resources of the household to complete household tasks
• safety in the home
• the relationship between human activity and functional lay-out and design
• how to follow good design guidelines
• what makes shelter a home
• understanding how the major services to the house work
• how to carry out simple maintenance and repairs in the home
• the impact of technology on the home
• current environmental issues
• commnunity service
• Content of Resource Management
• Housing/Shelter: types of accomadation
• Management principles in relation to the home and everyday living.
• The effect of good management on the home - case studies
• Hygiene in the home
• Equipment in the home - choice, use and care
• Safety in the home - preventicn of accidents, proper storage of chemicals and medicines
• Basic first aid - treatment o f burns/scalds/shock/poisoning/bleeding and choking
• Design principles. Ergonomics - the relationship between : lay-out and design for particular needs
• Influence of technology in the home
• Basic understanding of electricity and gas. heating, lighting and domestic water supply
• Environmental issues related to the home, refuse, waste, use of chemicals
• Awareness of community services

Upon completion the students should

• understand the concept of management in relation to running the home
• understand design in relation to housing and interior decor
• be familiar with communityity services
• understand and apply rules of hygiene and safety
• understand the basic services t o the house
• be able to use, and understand the use of technology in the home
• be able to evaluate chemicals and cleaning products and labour- saving devices in the home

Optional Study - Design and Craftwork

The purpose of this option is to give pupils an appreciation of design and craftworkpast and present within their culture and an opportunity to research the making of and to produce craft items.

People design objects in order t o solve particular problems. Design involves appearance, function and quality. A well-designed item looks attractive, fulfills its function and gives value for money.

Man's designs attempt to solve man's needs.

Objective: To develop their sensitivity towards the origins and development of the various crafts and to highlight the aesthetic and economic values of the craft industry. The functional aspects will also be acknowledged b y the production of the various craft items.

The consideration of indigenous and contemporary crafts could be highlighted in this section. With the revival of the craft industry the vocational aspects of this section should be considered in order to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Content of Design and Craftwork Skills

Using any textile as a base students should carry out a design brief to make any simple craft item of choice. This item can be traditional or contemporary.

Upon completion students should

1. appreciate the role of crafts within their culture;
2. be able to carry out the design process;
3. research and produce one craft item of choice.

6.5 Textiles

As clothing is a primary need this area of study is designed to give students an opportunity to appreciate the culture, history and influence of fashion associated with clothing and textiles.

It presents opportunities to develop creativity by studying ,design principles and applying them to the construction and selection of clothing and textiles. It will also enable students to understand how clothing influences impressions made by personal appearance.

It should also help students to be better consumers of clothing and textiles.

Textiles play an important and influential role in our lives.

Therefore it is appropriate that pupils acquire knowledge in the following areas:

• consumer competene in decision-making related to personal
• clothing and household textile needs
• an understanding of the basic principles of design; application of design principles to clothing
• fashion trends and how individuals are influenced
• a basic understanding of science and technology in relation to fabrics and fibres
• using a sewing machine as a resource
• care and maintenance of textiles

Content of Textile Studies

• Use of textiles for clothing and household needs
• Fashion trends - how fashions are forecast
• Choice of textiles - economic and aesthetic considerations
• Fabric Composition - outline of natural and synthetic fibres.
• Characteristics - scientific and practical
• Fabric Identification - two simple tests
• Fabric Care - care labelling, detergents, equipment and stain removal
• Textile Skills - simple hand and machine sewing stitches and processes
• How to use a sewing machine for simple construction and repairs
• Design - role of design in choice and suitability.

Upon completion of this component, the students should be able to understand that fabrics are used for a wide range of purposes, that colour and appearance are usually important aesthetic considerations when choosing fabrics and that scientific and practical factors should be taken into account when making various choices (i.e. specific characteristics may be required for different uses)

• to identify fabrics and the differences between natural and synthetic fabrics and their uses
• to understand the construction of and the finishes used on fabrics
• to make up a simple item of clothing and a simple household item. (This can be of student's choice in consultation with the teacher )
• to care for fabrics: choice and use of detergents, drying and pressing equipment; stain removal
• to cultivate dress sense and to understand fashion trends
• to follow good design guidelines when choosing clothes and furnishings

Optional Study - Textile Skills

The purpose of the Textile Skills area is to ensure that students will acquire a range of skills necessary to appreciate design and to use patterns and to complete basic items of clothing.

Objective:

1. To encourage the development of pupils in the following areas:
   (a) manipulative skills
   (b) design
   (c) fashion
2. To create an awareness of the vocational aspects of the textile industry.
3. To promote creative leisure skills and pursuits.

Upon completion students should be

• competent in the use of patterns and equipment related to textiles.
• have a broad range of manipulative skills.
• have an understanding of the principles of design and aesthetic factors and be able to apply them to textiles and their use.

7.1 Assessment Objectives

On completion o f the course pupils will h e required to demonstrate:

• a satisfactory knowledge of the principles, terminology, facts and theories contained in the syllabus;
• practical skills, including the use of tools and equipment;
• procedural skills, including the ability to follow instructions given in written, oral or graphic form;
• the ability to obtain, record and interpret data (including the ability to weigh and measure accurately) and to translate data from one form to another;
• the ability to carry out, with appropriate guidance, a task from conception to realisation involving any or all sections of the syllabus;
• the ability to carry out practical assignments in the area of culinary skills.

7.2 Mark Weightings

The course is offered at two levels, Ordinary and Higher.

The examination at each level will reflect the following weighting:

7.3 Techniques of Assessment

The assessment of pupils will consist of both practical and written tests, at Ordinary and at Higher levels.