Welcome to the Magherafelt High School Home Economics department homepage.

Key Stage 3

Home Economics is studied by all students in Years 8 to 10 at Key Stage 3. Through the teaching of Home Economics the students acquire skills for life as they learn about:

• Hygiene and safety in the preparation of food
• The importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
• To make responsible choices about their diet and food
• To investigate the roles and responsibilities of family members
• To develop awareness of their rights and responsibilities as customers

Key Stage 3 Subject content
Home Economics is taught under the following key concepts

• Healthy eating
• Home and family life
• Independent living

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students are given the opportunity to study Home Economics and Child Development at GCSE Level. The students will require skills to:

• Work independently and as part of a team
• Develop skills for self evaluation with a view for improvement
• Think critically and make informed choices
• Manage resources effectively

Key Stage 4 Subject content
GCSE Home Economics is taught under the following key concepts

• Diet and health
• Consumer awareness

Assessment
1 Written paper- 40%
2 Controlled assessment tasks- 60%

GCSE Child Development is taught under the following key concepts

• Parenthood, pregnancy and childbirth
• Development of a child from birth to 5 years

Assessment
1 Written paper- 40%
2 Controlled assessment tasks- 60%

Progression to A Level and Career Opportunities

The study of GSCE Home Economics and Child Development can offer career opportunities for students who maybe interested in the following areas of study:

• A Level Home Economics
• Food Technology
• Dietetics
• Health Education
• Catering and Hospitality industry
• Consumer Studies
• Environmental Health
• Nursing and Child Care

AS/A Level Home Economics

The AS and Advanced GCE specification builds upon the foundation of knowledge and skills develop within the GCSE Home Economics and Child Development courses.

Course content
The specification adopts a modular structure. Students are required to study 2 units for the AS course and a further 2 units for the full Advanced GCE (A2) course. All units are compulsory.

AS Content
AS 1 Nutrition for Optimal Health
AS 2 Priority Health Issues

A2 Content
A2 1 Consumer Issues
A2 2 Research-based Assignment

Assessment
AS 1             50%            A2 1            50% 
AS 2             50%            A2 2            50%                     

One written paper for each unit with the exception of unit A2 2 where the students carry out an independent research on a specific area of personal interest.

Career Opportunities

A2 GCE Home Economics enables students to pursue more advanced courses in higher and further education within careers such as:

• Food Technology
• Product Development
• Consumer Studies
• Dietetics
• Health and Social Services
• Environmental Health
• Health Education
• Hospitality Management
• Marketing
• Teaching
• Retail Management
• Nursing