GCSE Home Economics

Written on 18 October 2015.

At Key Stage 4 we have 3 areas of study for pupils to choose from. They are

1. GCSE Home Economics Food and Nutrition;
2. GCSE Home Economics Child Development;
3. GCSE Health and Social Care.

1. HOME ECONOMICS - FOOD & NUTRITION

Examining Board: OCR

This course is a preparation for living in a contemporary, changing and multi-cultural society. It places an emphasis on the management of resources and informed decision making to meet human needs by the development of relevant, appropriate and transferable skills in the context of home and family.

The content of the course includes:

* Nutrition and helath;
* Food choice;
* Food preperation and processing;
* Deterioaration, safety and preservation of food;
* Marketing, advertising and consumer education

Coursework – Accounts for 60% of the total mark. Candidates complete 4 pieces of coursework for the internal assessment component.

* Three short tasks - approximately 7 hours per task for completion

* One individual task - approximately 22 hours for completion

There is a practical food preperation component in the coursework.

The Exam – An un-tiered written paper achieving A*- G grades

This GCSE qualification enables candidates to progress either directly to employment or proceed to further qualifications.

Use of Home Economics in Careers

Home Economist, Nurse, Health Visitor, Dietician, Dental Hygienist, Chef, Cook, Care Assistant, Butcher, Baker, Restaurant Manager and Catering Careers.

2. HOME ECONOMICS - CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Examining Board: OCR

Why study Home Economics – Child Development?

Do you enjoy working with children?
Would you like a practical challenge?
Are you interested in finding out about child development issues?
Have you or will you be able to have access to study a child under 5 years?

If you have answered YES to these questions then choose to study GCSE Child Development.

You will study topics on:

Parenthood and pregnancy
Physical Development
Nutrition and Helath
Intellectual, social and emotional development
The family and the community

You will learn to:

Observe and interact with young children
Carry out individual, orgional research
Explore and investigate the needs of young children

Coursework

Accounts for 60% of the total mark. Candidates will complete 4 pieces of coursework for the internal component assessment.

* Three short tasks - approximately 7 hours per task for completion

* One individual task - approximately 22 hours for completion

The exam – 40%

An un-tiered written paper – 1 hour 30 minutes for completion.

Use of Child Development in Careers

Opportunities in Nursery Nursing, Nursing, Teaching and the Caring Professions.

3. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (Single Award)

Examining Board: CCEA

The GCSE Health and Social Care Single Award provides students with a broad, satisfying and worthwhile course of study which allows them to gain insight into related Health and Social Care disciplines. It prepares them to make informed decisions about future learning opportunities and career choices.

Content

Students complete 2 Units

Unit SA1 Working in Health and Social Care

This unit aims to increase the students understanding of the world of work in health, social care and early years and children’s services and how the needs of different client groups are met.

Unit SA2 Personal Development

Students study human growth and development throughout the life stages. Factors affecting human growth and development including relationships and the effects of life changes.

Assessment

Unit SA1 Internal Assessment

Format 25 hours

Three pieces of coursework (presentation, report and information pack) 60%

Unit SA2 External Assessment

Format 1 hour 30 minutes Exam 40%

Use of Health & Social Care in Careers

Students may progress to study GCSE, A Level or other vocationally related qualification such as BTEC First or National. There are many opportunities for employment in the Caring Professions.