Home Economics

Teacher : Miss P Irvine

Home Economics aims to prepare pupils for everyday life through the acquisition of life skills.

In the 21st century, members of our society have to meet accelerating changes in their traditional roles and relationships, family structures, patterns of employment and the pressure of Consumerism. Home Economics can focus on home and family as a major unit in our social structure.

All pupils have the opportunity to study Home Economics, which has a particular contribution to make towards dispelling outmoded values and inflexible attitudes to roles and responsibilities.

Home Economics provides a context in which young people can learn, practice and accumulate a variety of useful practical skills as well as the opportunity to develop in all 4 capacities of Curriculum for Excellence

Home Economics is useful in a wide variety of Careers including Nursing and Care, Teaching (both Primary and Secondary), Merchant Navy, Catering and Hospitality, Tourism Industry, Air Cabin Crew, Butchery, Bakers, Retail Management, Interior and Textile Design, Childcare.

S1 and S2

All pupils in Secondary 1 and 2 study Home Economics. In a 33 period school week, 2 periods are allocated to Home Economics (or H.E.) each week, for each class.

S1 and 2 follow a Course common to all Shetland schools, which aims to meet Curriculum for Excellence outcomes and experiences in both Technology and Health & Wellbeing.

Health and Food Technology: Pupils learn about the relationships between health, food, nutrition, and dietary needs across life stages.

Consumer Awareness: Courses cover contemporary issues like food sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions.

Practical Skills: Students build fundamental cooking techniques, food hygiene habits, and safety practices as well as textile skills.

Pupils will be involved in both practical and written tasks, working individually and in small groups. They will also undertake Design Briefs and be involved in interdisciplinary projects with other classes including Primary.

S1 and S2 overview

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term4

Hygiene and safety

Eatwell Guide

Food and Religion

Hand sewing

Healthy Living

Journey of Food

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term4

Getting the Balance Right

Design and Make

Food and Textiles

Food around the world

Local food

Pupils moving onto the Anderson High School have the option to take Health and Food Technology in S5 and 6.

How can parents help?

At home we encourage pupils to watch and discuss TV programmes relating to food and textiles including where food comes as well as popular cooking / textile shows. Also discuss food and health issues as they arise on TV and media outlets. As well as practice their skills at home including