Fraserburgh Academy

RATIONALE

Home Economics Department

Home Economics is concerned with using and managing human and material resources for the benefit of individuals, families and society.

Its relevance to the individual is clear. The effectiveness of people in their roles and vocations in life and the likelihood of fulfilment is, to a large extent, governed by their ability to manage and achieve a quality lifestyle.

Home economics aims to foster an awareness of that inter-relationship and to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and an appreciation of value-systems which will assist them to make appropriate decisions about their own way of living.

The promotion of good health is closely linked to quality in lifestyle. In a country which has the worst incidence of diet-related disease in the developed world and with mounting evidence of poor parenting skills affecting all classes of society, a good home economics education is needed as never before.

Home economics can play a significant role in the preparation of young people for vocational training, careers in industry and the caring professions, and even in equipping them for life-long leisure pursuits.

The opening of the European market has increased contact with European partners for all of us both at work and leisure, both here and abroad. The opportunities provided in home economics for pupils to study and reflect on cultural similarities and differences should contribute usefully to their readiness for the challenge of closer links with Europe.

Home economics provides an ideal context for personal and social development. Through practical activity pupils are involved in task management and teamwork. They are encouraged to reflect on their own work and to offer constructive comment on the work of others. Consideration of equal opportunities arises naturally in looking at roles and responsibilities within the family, the community and in the workplace.