Leaving Certificate
The Home Economics Scientific and Social syllabus provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives as well as for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in Home Economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, preparing them for a consumer-oriented society and providing a learning foundation for a wide range of careers.
Subject Content
Home Economics is an applied subject combining theory with practice. It is concerned with the management of resources (material and human) to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and economic needs of individuals and families. The study of Home Economics emphasises the interdependent relationships that exist between individuals, families, and their immediate and distant environments.
The Leaving Certificate course is a continuation of the Junior Certificate course. While not essential, it is beneficial to have studied this subject to Junior Certificate level. The syllabus is based on a core of three areas of study that is studied by all students and one elective area from a choice of three.
Core
Food Studies - 45%
Resource Management and Consumer Studies - 25%
Social Studies - 10%
Elective
Home Design and Management - 20%
Textiles, Fashion and Design - 20%
Social Studies - 20%
The elective areas are extensions of the core areas and provide students with the opportunity to study certain topics in more depth.
Assessment
Students complete a practical Food Studies Journal following research of briefs issued annually by the Department of Education and Skills each year which is worth 20% of their grade. There will also be a written examination.
There are a large number of career opportunities relating to the study of Home Economics including: B.Ed Home Economics (Teaching), Interior Design, Social Care, Tourism and Catering, Childcare, Fashion Design, Food Product Development, Nutritionist, Dietician, Chef, Baker, Food Stylist, Interior Design, and Environmental Health Officer. Click here to visit Senior Cycle curriculum.