Option Subject – Examination Board used AQA ~ Tiers available: Higher and Foundation
What is the GCSE Home Economics Course about?
Practical preparation of all types of food, the tasting of exciting dishes from this country, and consideration of the influence of other cultures.- Food Preparation to a high standard. Advanced methods and skills are covered.
- Linking of food preparation to good hygiene and safety.
- The connection between nutrition and good health.
- The role of the consumer in food choice.
Will I enjoy the course?
You will enjoy the course if you want to study a subject that:
- Places an emphasis on practical work and is both creative and technical.
- Enables you to experiment and make products.
- Encourages you to be a discerning consumer.
- Is relevant to the consumer society in which you live.
How does it follow on from what I have learned before?
At Key Stage 3, you have had experience of preparing and experimenting with food. You have already produced small presentations on the modification of recipes comparing costs and nutritional content. You will build on these experiences.
However, please note that all are welcome to join the GCSE course, including those who have not studied the subject in the Third Form.
What about examinations?
There is one examination paper lasting one and a half hours which accounts for 40% of the total marks. This paper consists of a series of questions which increase in difficulty, and culminates in an essay style question testing knowledge and understanding of wider issues of the course.
Is there any coursework?
The coursework contributes the remaining 60% of the total mark. The coursework consists of two research tasks. Task one accounts for 15% of the marks and takes approximately 6 – 8 hours. Task two accounts for 45% of marks and takes approximately 24 – 26 hours. Most of the work is completed in controlled conditions and includes research, investigation and practical cooking. All coursework is internally marked and externally moderated.
What other skills might I develop?
The “making” process allows you to explore and practise a wide variety of traditional and modern cookery techniques. It encourages practical work in a logical, organised and sequential manner. It encourages experimentation and the analysis of data which is often collected especially for coursework. You will become increasingly confident in your ability to work with materials to produce quality products.
What could I do next with GCSE in Home Economics?
Home Economics provides a sound basis for further study in subjects such as Biology and Physical Education. It is especially useful to students considering employment in the caring professions such as social work, medicine, nursing, dietetics and other related areas. As you would expect, it is particularly relevant to the Food and Service Industries, for instance Hotel Management and the Food Technology field.