Home Economics

Back to Subjects

Our aims

Welcome to Home Economics

It is our aim in the Home Economics Department to empower pupils to achieve their full potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. Home Economics helps pupils prepare for life and work as individuals, contributors to society, economy and environment.

Departmental staff

  • Mrs J Doherty (Head of Department)
  • Mrs K Smith (Head of King's Trust)
  • Mrs C Reel (Head of Child Development)
  • Miss K Smylie
  • Miss H McNamee
  • Miss C Gibney

Curriculum

In St Joseph’s all pupils from years 8-10 study the Home Economics curriculum. Classes consist of theory where pupils explore the science of food and the impact of their choices on their overall health, home and family and independent living.

A range of practical activities are built in to each unit allowing pupils to prepare and cook a variety of healthy, nutritious dishes so that pupils can develop important skills such as working together, problem solving, cooking skills and using equipment throughout Key Stage 3.

Why not check out our links to see what we will be studying in each year:

What we learn in Year 8

What we learn in Year 9

What we learn in Year 10

Child Development CCEA

Key Stage 4 (Year 11 and 12)

Child Development Specification

This course aims to encourage an understanding of pregnancy, the responsibilities of being a parent and the overall needs of young children and emphasises the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

It gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding through a variety of contexts.

Students have an opportunity to carry out practical activities such as preparing and cooking meals for expecting mother, children and families, sterilize and make-up bottles, change nappies, bath and clothe baby.

This course prepares students for further study in child health or education, or the world of work.

There are two written exams, each worth 30% of the overall mark, and one controlled assessment task, worth 40%.

Food and Nutrition CCEA

Key Stage 4 (Year 11 and 12)

Food and Nutrition Specification

The GCSE Home Economics: Food and Nutrition course gives you opportunities to learn about the science behind food – the nutritional content of foods, current nutritional guidelines and catering for the differing dietary needs of the people in today’s society.

You will also learn about the current government nutritional guidelines and you will be expected to plan, prepare and cook meals and dishes in accordance with these guidelines. You will consider food choice, food safety and managing resources.

There are two components of the course:

Component 1 – Food and Nutrition Theory – worth 50% of the award

Component 2 – Controlled Assessment and Practical – worth 50% of the award

Pupils also gain knowledge, understanding and skills in areas such as:

  • Health issues associated with dietary and lifestyle choices
  • The factors affecting how we buy food, what we buy and what we waste
  • Planning meals for people with specific nutritional and dietary needs

With this qualification, students may choose to progress to GCE in Nutrition and Food Science or other related courses. This course also provides an excellent foundation for a career in food-related industries.

BTEC Children’s, Play, Learning and Development (CPLD)
BTEC Children's Play, Learning and Development Specification

We have introduced BTEC Level 3, Extended Certificate in Children’s Play Learning and Development (CPLD) at KS 5 as a progression from GCSE Child Development.

CPLD is an exciting subject that is suitable for any student who is interested in working with children and in developing their knowledge in:

What does this qualification cover?

Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units which cover the following topics:

  • Unit 1 Children’s development (Exam) completed in Year 13
  • Unit 2 Communication and numeracy (Exam) completed in Year 14
  • Unit 3 Play and learning. (Coursework) completed in Year 14
  • Unit 5 Keeping children safe (coursework) completed in Year 13.

Links with the community:

As part of the course, students must complete 50 hours work experience in an Early Years setting – we work closely with our local nursery and primary schools in order to fulfil this aspect of the course.

What careers are explored as part of the course?

Some examples include;

  • Social Worker
  • Nursing and Midwifery
  • Play Therapist
  • Youth, Care or Support Worker
  • Art Therapist
  • Teaching
  • SEN Teaching
  • Nursery Assistant
  • Nursery Nurse
  • Nursery Manager
  • Pre School Early Years Coordinator
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Health Visitor Assistant
Pearson BTEC Level 3 AAQ in Early Childhood Development

As a replacement for BTEC CPLD we have introduced AAQ Early Childhood Studies.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 AAQ in Early Childhood Development Specification

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Early Childhood Development is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to one A Level. It is designed for students interested in children's care, education, development, and wellbeing from birth to eight years old. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and is intended to support progression to higher education and careers in the early years sector.

Main Areas of Study

1. Children's Development

  • Physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development from birth to age eight.
  • Developmental milestones, theories of child development, and factors that influence growth and learning.

2. Keeping Children Safe

  • Safeguarding, child protection, health and safety practices, risk assessment, and emergency procedures in early years settings.

3. Play and Learning

  • The role of play in children's learning and development.
  • Major theories of play and how practitioners support children's learning through play-based activities.

4. Research and Reflective Practice

  • How research influences policies and practices in early childhood education.
  • Developing reflective skills to improve professional practice.

Assessment

  • 2 externally assessed examinations
  • 2 internally assessed coursework units involving applied tasks and research activities.

Skills Developed

Students gain:

  • Knowledge of child development and learning.
  • Safeguarding and health-and-safety awareness.
  • Research and analytical skills.
  • Communication and reflective practice skills.
  • Ability to support children's play, literacy, numeracy, and overall development.

Progression Opportunities

The qualification can lead to university courses and careers such as:

  • Early Childhood Studies
  • Teaching and Education
  • Child Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Childcare and Early Years Practice