Home Economics

At Inveralmond Community High School, all S1 and S2 learners study Home Economics as part of a half-year rotation with Craft, Design and Technology (CDT).

During their time in Home Economics, learners develop skills, knowledge and understanding through a wide range of practical and theory-based experiences linked to Curriculum for Excellence Experiences and Outcomes.

S1 Home Economics

During S1, learners are introduced to the Home Economics department and begin developing the essential practical skills required to work safely and independently in a kitchen environment. Areas of learning include:

* Hygiene and food safety
* Kitchen routines and organisation
* Washing up and cleaning procedures
* Knife safety and skills
* Use of the grill, hob, microwave and oven
* Weighing and measuring ingredients
* Rubbing-in, kneading and baking techniques
* Practical food preparation and cookery skills
* Practical assessment

Learners develop these skills through producing a variety of dishes, including:

* Vegetable Cous Cous
* Praline
* Rubbed-in Buns
* Macaroni Cheese
* Banana Cake
* Apple Crumble
* Chocolate Truffles

This year, S1 learners will also complete a textiles unit, where they will learn basic textile techniques and develop their creativity through practical design activities.

We would like to extend our thanks to Loome Fabrics for their generous donation of fabric, helping us reintroduce textiles experiences within our curriculum.

Loome Fabrics | Historical and Period Fabrics, Curtains and Blinds (opens new window)

S2 Home Economics

In S2, learners build upon the skills developed in S1 while developing a deeper understanding of nutrition, health, recipe adaptation and product development.

Areas of learning include:

* Hygiene, safety and food preparation
* Nutrition and healthy eating
* Knife skills and advanced preparation techniques
* Boiling, baking, coating and shallow frying methods
* Whisking and incorporating air into mixtures
* Roux sauce making
* Recipe adaptation to meet dietary needs and lifestyle goals
* Product design and development
* Evaluating products against a design brief
* Factors influencing food choice
* Nutrient requirements of individuals

Practical Cookery Experiences

Learners apply these skills through preparing a range of dishes, including:

* Oriental Noodles
* Egg Fried Rice
* Lentil Soup
* Whisked Sponge
* Italian Mince
* Design and Make Muffin Challenge
* Bolognese

Through these experiences, learners continue to develop confidence, independence and creativity in the kitchen while making links between food choices, health and wellbeing.

S3 Food, Health and Hospitality

In S3, learners can choose to study Food, Health and Hospitality

This course acts as a bridge into the Senior Phase and provides learners with an insight into the qualifications available within the Home Economics department. Learners will experience elements of:

* Practical Cookery
* Hospitality
* Health and Food Technology

The course focuses on developing practical cookery skills, food preparation techniques, nutrition knowledge, customer service and an understanding of the hospitality industry.

By experiencing aspects of each qualification, learners are able to make informed choices about which pathway best suits their interests, strengths and future aspirations when entering the Senior Phase.

Senior Phase

The Home Economics department offers a range of nationally recognised qualifications that prepare learners for further study, employment and careers within food, hospitality, health and childcare sectors.

National 5 Practical Cookery

National 5 Practical Cookery focuses on the development of advanced food preparation and cookery skills. Learners build confidence in planning, preparing and presenting a range of dishes while working safely and efficiently in a kitchen environment.

Throughout the course, learners develop:

* Food preparation techniques
* Cookery processes and methods
* Time management and organisational skills
* Menu planning and costing
* Safe and hygienic working practices
* Evaluation of practical performance

The course is ideal for learners interested in culinary arts, catering or hospitality careers and includes a significant practical assessment component.

Progression Opportunities

* Hospitality
* Professional Cookery
* Catering
* Apprenticeships
* College courses and employment within the food industry

National 5 Hospitality

National 5 Hospitality provides learners with an introduction to Scotland's hospitality industry and develops the practical, vocational and employability skills required within the sector.

Learners gain experience in:

* Preparing and serving food
* Customer care and front-of-house service
* Menu planning
* Professional kitchen practice
* Event planning and organisation
* Working effectively as part of a team

The course helps learners understand the variety of opportunities available within the hospitality industry while developing the professional attitudes expected by employers.

Progression Opportunities

* Hospitality Management
* Professional Cookery
* Travel and Tourism
* Events Management
* Apprenticeships and employment within the hospitality sector

National 5 Health and Food Technology

National 5 Health and Food Technology explores the relationship between food, health and consumer needs.

Learners investigate:

* Nutritional requirements throughout life
* Current dietary advice
* Factors influencing food choice
* Food product development
* Consumer issues
* Food manufacturing and technology
* Practical food preparation skills

The course encourages learners to think critically about food choices and equips them with valuable knowledge relevant to everyday life and a wide range of careers.

Progression Opportunities

* Higher Health and Food Technology
* Nutrition
* Dietetics
* Food Science
* Public Health
* Food Manufacturing

Level 5 Childcare

L5 Childcare introduces learners to the knowledge, skills and values required to work with children and young people.

Learners explore:

* Child development and wellbeing
* Play and learning
* The role of childcare professionals
* Communication and interpersonal skills
* Working with children, families and communities
* Employability skills relevant to the childcare sector

This qualification provides an excellent introduction to careers working with children and helps learners develop transferable skills that are valued across many employment sectors.

Progression Opportunities

* Early Learning and Childcare
* Primary Teaching
* Social Care
* Youth Work
* Health and Social Care
* Further study at college or university

The Home Economics department aims to develop confident, independent and creative learners who are equipped with valuable life skills while preparing them for future study, employment and lifelong wellbeing.