Home Economics

Our Home Economics and Skills for Work courses provide pupils with valuable practical experience and knowledge that prepare them for life, further study, and future careers. From developing confidence in the kitchen to exploring creativity in cake design, and from understanding nutrition to gaining an introduction to childcare, these courses give pupils a strong foundation of skills that can be applied both in everyday life and in the workplace.

BGE (S1/S2) Home Economics

In BGE Home Economics (S1–3), pupils develop a range of practical skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. They learn about nutrition, food hygiene, cooking, textiles, and food technology. The course also helps pupils understand healthy lifestyles, budgeting, and sustainability while encouraging confidence and problem-solving.

Relevant links

GCSE Home Economics: Food and Nutrition (CCEA) – BBC Bitesize

Free education resources for teaching young people aged 3-16 years about where food comes from, cooking and healthy eating, and teacher training. – Food A Fact Of Life

National 5 Practical Cookery

The course is divided into 3 main units

Unit	What you cover
Cookery Skills, Techniques and Processes	Learn how to use a range of cookery skills and food preparation techniques (e.g. chopping, slicing, mixing, whisking, baking, boiling, frying, steaming, etc.). Follow recipes, control cooking processes and test food for readiness. Garnish, present, decorate or portion dishes. Maintain safety, hygiene, and correct equipment use during cooking.
Understanding and Using	Identify different types of ingredients (meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, grains, dairy, etc.) and their properties/characteristics. Understand storage, handling, safety and preparation methods (how to store ingredients safely, how they behave under different cooking methods). Learn about current dietary guidelines (health, nutrition) and how ingredient choices are influenced by these. Explore sustainability: where ingredients come from, responsible sourcing, and environmental impact
Organisational Skills for Cooking	Learn how to select and cost recipes (budgeting), and plan the sequence of cooking tasks. Plan time management: how long tasks will take, order of cooking so that dishes are ready at the right time. Arrange equipment, ingredients, and workspace in an organised way; work efficiently. Work safely and hygienically throughout, following food safety rules. Evaluating the presentation, taste, and texture of dishes produced.

Assessment

The final exam consists of a final cooking practical (2 hours) which makes up 63% of the final grade, the assignment time plan (1h45m), which makes up 14% and a question paper (1 hour) that makes up 23%.

SQA Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare

The Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare course (National 4/5) introduces working with children and gives pupils the opportunity to learn about child development, play, wellbeing, and the responsibilities of childcare practice. It also supports the development of essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. This course is particularly valuable for pupils considering careers in childcare, teaching, or health and social care.

Early Learning and Childcare – SQA

Unit

What you cover

Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

Physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development from birth to 18 years
Factors affecting development, such as health, environment, and family
Wellbeing principles: safeguarding, health and safety, emotional support
Observing and assessing children’s progress
Supporting children with additional needs

Play in Early Learning and Childcare

Importance of play for learning and development
Different types of play: imaginative, physical, structured, and outdoor play
Planning and delivering age-appropriate play activities
Creating safe and stimulating environments for play
Observing and assessing learning through play

Working in Early Learning and Childcare

Roles and responsibilities of childcare workers
Communication with children, parents, and colleagues
Health, safety, and hygiene in childcare settings
Record-keeping and documentation
Professionalism, ethics, and understanding workplace policies

Contemporary families

Different family types and structures in modern society
Impact of family background on child development and wellbeing
Supporting children through changes such as separation, adoption, or bereavement
Working respectfully with families and promoting inclusion
Policies and practices that support children and families

Assessment

SQA Childcare courses use practical, observational, and written assessments to ensure students can demonstrate both knowledge and skills. Each unit is assessed in ways that reflect real-life childcare practice.

National 5 Cake Craft

At National level, pupils can progress into Practical Cookery and Cake Craft. These courses focus on developing skills in food preparation, presentation, and creativity. Practical Cookery covers a wide range of everyday meals and professional kitchen practices, while Cake Craft allows pupils to specialise in designing and decorating cakes for different occasions. Both courses emphasise time management, attention to detail, and food safety, supporting those interested in hospitality and catering as well as offering transferable life skills.

National 5 Practical Cookery – Course overview and resource – SQA

National 5 Practical Cake Craft – Course overview and resources – SQA