BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL
HOME ECONOMICS
Home Economics aims to empower pupils to make informed and responsible lifestyle choices by enhancing their knowledge, skills and values in vital areas including nutrition, food preparation, home and family life and consumer issues. 
We aim to equip our pupils with practical skills, enhance their understanding of healthy eating and food hygiene and promote responsible decision-making.
Head of Department
Miss E Lyle BSc PGCE
Teaching Staff
Mrs K McCann BA GTP
Miss D McVeigh BA PGCE
Mr M Torrens MEng PGCE
Technical Support
Mrs K Neil
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
Home Economics is studied by all pupils in Years 8 and 9. Year 10 pupils may choose to select the subject for further study. Pupils develop practical skills in the safe, hygienic, healthy and creative use of foods. This enables them to plan, prepare and cook a range of dishes and develop an enjoyment of working with food.
GCSE
At GCSE, pupils follow the CCEA Food and Nutrition and/or CCEA Child Development specification. GCSE Food and Nutrition allows pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the nutritional content of foods, dietary needs of specific groups, health issues and the importance of food safety. Child Development allows pupils to develop knowledge, understanding and skills relating to family, pregnancy and the responsibilities of being a parent, birth and caring for a newborn baby and the impact of diet and lifestyle choices during pregnancy. ​
A Level
At A Level, pupils follow the CCEA Nutrition and Food Science and/or HSC single award specification. Nutrition and Food Science focuses on the connection between nutrition, food science and health, emphasising the importance of a balanced diet and the impact on human well-being. Health and Social Care provides a broad understanding of health, well-being and care for individuals and communities. We cover various aspects of health and social care, including the core values of care, types of communication, factors affecting health and the roles of different practitioners in both early years and health care settings.
Co-curricular Activities
The Home Economics department provides opportunities for students to be involved with the Cook’s Club to build on their cookery skills and healthy eating knowledge. Pupils also experience a range of guest speakers including demonstrations from The Livestock and Meat Commission (LMCNI). Students can choose to complete a placement in an Early Years or Social Care setting, helping to make valuable connections to their learning.