Home Economics

Home Economics students learn how to live a healthy lifestyle that will positively impact their health and wellbeing. Home Economics teaches students how to become informed and responsible consumers. It develops students’ creativity and design skills. Home Economics develops students who are environmentally conscious and dedicated to a sustainable and responsible way of life. As Home Economics is a very practical subject, you will carry out a lot of activities in school and at home and you will have a project to carry out in one of the areas. It is made up of 3 main areas:

Theory: is a core area of the subject overlapping the 2 practical areas. It includes learning about food and culinary skills, how food nourishes your body, how to choose it and store it. Consumer studies, social and health studies, home and resource management.

Cookery: involves menu creation, food preparation and cooking

Textiles & Sewing: involves basic stitching, embroidery and the use of sewing machines to make household garments

What will I learn in Home Economics?

Some of the things you will learn about are:

  • How to nourish your body and keep it healthy both physically and mentally.
  • How to plan, prepare and cook healthy balanced meals.
  • How to be an informed and responsible consumer.
  • Roles and relationships within the family and how to sustain a healthy family life.
  • Textiles and craft work –developing textile skills and creativity.

Is studying Home Economics at post-primary anything like what I did in primary school?

In SPHE and in SESE (primary school Science), you will have learned about your body, how to care for it and the correct foods to eat. You will have made some items in Visual Arts which will be useful when you start sewing in class. You will have weighed and measured items and materials in Mathematics. You will also have studied topics related to the family in SESE (History, Geography and Science).

Will Home Economics have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

Yes, it will. You will find links with Science, SPHE, Physical Education, Art, Craft, Design and Business Studies.

Possible Career Opportunities:

Catering, Beautician, Child Care, Dietician, Social Worker, Hotel Management, Fashion and Textiles, Food Industry and Teaching.

How is Home Economincs assessed at Junior Cycle?

  • Students will complete a project in creative craft
  • Students will complete practical cookery exam ( worth 50% overall grade)
  • Students will complete a written examination (worth 50% overall grade)