Subject Overview
The Leaving Certificate Home Economics syllabus provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further and higher education and work. The learning experiences in home economics develop flexibility and adaptability in students, prepare them for a consumer-oriented society and provide a learning foundation for a wide range of careers in food, textiles, science, design, social studies and tourism. The subject 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 emphasizes the interdependent relationships that exist between individuals, families and their immediate and distant environments.
Content: 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: (1) Food studies, (2) Resource management and consumer studies, and (3) Social studies.
Electives: The elective allows students the opportunity to undertake a more detailed study of one area of the core. There are three electives, from which one may be chosen: (1) Home design and management, (2) Textiles, fashion and design, or, (3) Social studies Assessment.
Leaving Certificate Home Economics-Scientific and Social is assessed, at Ordinary and Higher level, as follows:
- A terminal examination paper
- Examination paper 80% Journal Work: 20% Assessment of practical coursework