Home EconomicsHOME ECONOMICS COURSES
Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
Technology (Mandatory)
The Technology (Mandatory) course is studied for 200 hours, typically in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8). Technology (Mandatory) is the foundation course for a range of elective courses in the Technology learning area.
Students learn about the properties and applications of a range of materials and the tools and equipment that are used to shape, form and join these materials. Students will gain an understanding of the factors that influence design including function and aesthetics. They will study the work of designers and the impact of technological advancement on society and the environment.
All Technology (Mandatory) courses are practical based and students will develop skills and knowledge through hands on practical experiences.
Stage 5 (Years 9 & 10 Elective Courses)
Food Technology
The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationships, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life.
Students will participate in excursions designed to provide them with real life experiences. These include restaurant visits, food manufacturing establishments and guest speakers speaking at school.
Textiles Technology
A study of Textiles Technology provides students with broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibres are explored. Project Work that includes investigation and experimentation will enable students to discriminate in their choices of textiles for particular uses.
Child Studies
In Child Studies, students learn about preconception and family preparation, newborn care and the influence and impact of nutrition, play, technology and the media. Students learn to identify, create and evaluate solutions to enhance child wellbeing. They become aware of and learn to access a range of relevant community resources and services.
Years 11 & 12 (Stage 6) Elective Courses
Food Technology
The course provides students with a broad knowledge of food technology. Food handling is addressed with emphasis on ensuring safety and managing the sensory characteristics and functional properties of food to produce a quality product. The role of nutrition in contributing to the health of the individual and the social and economic future of Australia is explored. The structure of the Australian food industry is outlined and the operations of one organisation investigated. Production and processing practices are examined, and their impact evaluated.
Textiles & Design
Textiles and Design is designed to enable students to understand and appreciate the nature and significance of textiles and to develop confidence and competence in the selection, design, manufacture and application of textile items.
Community & Family Studies (CAFS)
This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities. CAFS is taught by both our Home Economics and PDHPE faculties.
Hospitality
Students will complete 240 hours course work as well as a mandatory 70 hours of NESA work placement requirements. Students currently working in the Hospitality industry may be eligible for recognition of prior learning for part of their course (including work placement).
Practical application is vital to the completion of the course and students are required to attend all lessons to maintain currency and be assessed as competent in the skills being demonstrated.
Heathcote students study Certificate II in Hospitality Kitchen Operations. This requires them to wear full chef's uniform and maintain a comprehensive toolkit to industry standard.
The work placement component of the course is completed during school hours and is organised centrally through workplace coordinators for the region. Students are given the opportunity, determined by their level of interest and ability to take part in city placements or can stay close to home with local placements.