Home Economics

Overview

“Health and personal Development is an applied field of study that is concerned with the learning about and through healthy human development and change.

Studies in health education, home economics and physical education provide students with a balance of knowledge, processes and skills that equip them for independent living based on informed decisions. Students so equipped are able to promote and protect their own and other’s physical, social and emotional well – being”. (adapted from Gawler High School: Helen Crambrook)

Here at Leigh Creek Area School students from R–12 have the opportunity to use our recently upgraded kitchens. Over the past few years the kitchen has undergone several changes, new equipment for both the kitchen and textile area has been purchased, and this year we bought five new sewing machines and re-introduced textiles as part of the curriculum.

We follow the SACSA framework (soon to be Australian Curriculum) and create innovating, engaging units of work that are achievable for all students. Students with special requirements are catered to in all classes, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to enjoy success at their individual levels.

Year 6/7
In Year 6 and 7 students are introduced to cooking over a seven week period. Students are taught basic kitchen skills such as hygiene, OH&S, correct use of equipment, terminology, and kitchen maintenance. Students also look at the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and food products are based around this guideline. Students also look at two unhealthy food items then re-create them adapting them to make them a healthier option.

In Textiles students are introduced to basic sewing techniques and have the opportunity to create negotiated class projects. In 2010 students created pillows and some of these were sent to orphans overseas. Students are required to complete one assignment on natural fibres.

Year 8/9
Students in Year 8 and 9 complete two theory assignments in the food unit which runs for one term. They also look at OHW&S and create food products from each of the sections of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Year 8 and 9 students often have the opportunity to do special occasion cooking such as providing finger foods for school events.

In Textiles students have the opportunity to negotiate class projects. In 2010 Year 8 students completed a unit on Christmas sewing, and created samplers and a Christmas stocking. Students are required to complete one theory assignment on synthetic fibres.

Year 10
Students in Year 10 generally complete a semester of cooking however students can negotiate a sewing unit for one term if the class agrees.

Students in Year 10 look at nutrients and dietary trends as well as negotiating free choice recipes.

As part of Years 8-10 students also complete a unit in health following the Shine program, and elements of the Child Protection program are shared between PE and Home Ec. Students in Year 5–6 have a one afternoon or morning session with a local health professional looking at issues such as puberty- what is happening to me, mental health, and personal hygiene. Students in Year 7–10 also have an afternoon or morning session with local health professional where they look at healthy sexual choices, the power of saying NO, personal hygiene and consequences of choices.
 

Cooking at LCAS...