Junior Certificate Home Economics

Introduction  

The Junior Certificate Home Economics syllabus has been designed to prepare young people in the important skills of living, as individuals and as members of a family.

These skills will be of value in the establishment of a stable home environment and in employment and community-related activities.

The syllabus is structured in order to provide a variety of learning experiences, e.g. creative, managerial, and technological.

Particular emphasis is placed on problem-solving and discovery learning with specific reference to two key concepts:

• consumer competence
• personal management

Syllabus Structure

The syllabus structure consists of two sections:

• A common course of FIVE areas of study
• ONE optional study, from a choice of three

The five areas of study in the common course are listed below. 

The recommended proportion of class time to be allocated to each section is also included.

Five Areas of Study                                                                              Area Time

1. Food Studies (Theory) & Culinary Skills (Practical)       40% (120 hrs)
2. Consumer Studies                                                                         15% (45 hrs)   
3. Social & Health Studies                                                               10% (30 hrs)
4. Resource Management and Home Studies                        10% (30 hrs)   
5. Textile Studies (Theory & Practical work)                         10% (30 hrs)   

One optional study will be chosen from the following three:

1.  Childcare }
2.  Design and Craftwork }                                                               15% (45 hrs)   
3.  Textile Skills }

The options are structured so that pupils can undertake a more detailed study of one area of the common course.  

This means that:

• Childcare is related to Social and Health Studies
• Design and Craftwork to Resource Management and Home Studies
• Textile skills to Textile Studies.

Levels  

The syllabus will be assessed at two levels, Ordinary and Higher. 

The course may be taught at both levels within the one class grouping if required.

Gender Equity

Both syllabus and guidelines are designed with all students in mind.  

Conscious effort is to ensure that Home Economics is offered and taught without gender bias.

Textbooks & Class Resources:

• Design for Living Book and Workbook,  2010 (Deirdre Madden / Lorna Freeborn Gill & Macmillan (Revised 2nd Edition), Gill & McMillian
• Class copy ( for homework / class tests)
• Manuscript copy (for class notes) 
• Display folder (40 pages for handouts etc)

Cookery Class Resources: 

• Apron / Hair net or bandana
• Tea towel
• Dish Cloth
• Container (to bring in ingredients / bring home cooked dish)