Leaving Certificate Home Economics
- The Home Economics course provides students with knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for managing their own lives, for further, 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.
How is the subject useful in real life
Home Economics gives students a valuable insight into:
- How to plan and cook nutritious and economical meals.
- Choosing nutritional food for themselves and their family.
- The importance of good nutrition and health.
- The role of the consumer in modern eating patterns.
- Home Economics delivers vital skills that enable students to lead effective lives as individuals and family members as well as members of the wider community.
What careers can it lead to
- Environmental Health Officer,
- Food Journalist,
- Retail Assistant,
- Food Scientist,
- Food Product Developer,
- Chef, Microbiologist,
- Food Business Manager,
- Butcher,
- Nutritionist,
- Food Scientist,
- Fashion Designer,
- Interior Designer,
- Hotel Manager
- Social Worker,
- Childcare Worker,
- Dietician,
- Restaurant Critic,
- Home Economics teacher
Sample of Leaving Certificate topics
- Food Studies- food choice, nutrition, food science, food commodities, meal planning, food preparation/processing, microbiology.
- Family Resource Management and Consumer Studies- household finances, household technology, textiles, consumer rights and responsibilities.
- Social Studies Elective- social change, education, work, leisure, poverty.
- Core Social Studies- the family in society, family functions, family law.
Why choose the subject for Leaving Certificate
Students should study this subject to:
- Be able to research, study, analyse and interpret material.
- Be able and willing to learn Nutrition and Culinary skills.
- Be able to communicate well.
- Be organised.
- Be able to discuss topics and work in teams.
Leaving Cycle Exam breakdown
- 20% Food Studies Practical - Coursework Journal (marked by external examiner)
- 80% written exam in June (also marked by external examiner)
E-book available
Senior Cycle Curriculum – link to DE specifications
Subject specific websites