Home Economics: Year 9 and 10

Year 9 and 10 Food Technology
The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationship, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation concerning the production of food. Students will develop food specific skills, which then can be applied in a range of contexts enabling students to produce quality food products. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life and how it contributes to both vocational and general life experiences.

Gingerbread houses

The major emphasis of the Food Technology syllabus is on students exploring food related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regard to food. Integral to this course is students developing the ability and confidence to design, produce and evaluate solutions to situations involving food. They will learn to select and use appropriate ingredients and equipment safely and competently.

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Year 9 and 10 Child Studies

The Child Studies course aims to give our students the skills and self confidence to act as responsible caregivers. Given the multicultural nature of Fairvale High School, this course enables our students to appreciate their unique family situations and the roles they may adopt to enable their family to function
satisfactorily. The course also provides the students with an introduction to the Child Care Industry and the requirements needed for that field.

Child Studies seeks to raise the students’ awareness of society as a whole, especially relating to the family, development of the child and the vital role played by the parents and caregivers. Students will develop the confidence to interact with young children, identify and utilise a range of resources available to young children and gain a knowledge and understanding of the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of a child.

Some of the units to be covered include:
• Stages of child development
• Caring for children
• Games children play
• First Aid
• Parenting techniques

Child Studies students’ progress is assessed using tasks such as multimedia presentations including powerpoint and video, assignments, bookwork and unit tests. Students will also be required to participate in a one day parenting activity using a ‘Baby Think it Over’ real care baby simulator.

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Years 9 and 10 Textiles Technology
The study of Textiles Technology provides students with a broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibres are explored. Students examine the historical, cultural and contemporary perspectives on textile design and develop an appreciation of the factors affecting them as textile consumers. Students investigate the work of textile designers and make judgements about the appropriateness of design ideas, the selection of materials and tools and the quality of textile items. Textile projects will give students the opportunity to be creative, independent learners and to explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles.

The focus areas of apparel, furnishings, costume, textile arts and non-apparel are recognised fields of textiles that will direct choices of student projects. Examples include stuff toys, pencil case, quilt cover, t-shirt, skirt, bag, wall hanging, fancy dress costume and students own choice project. Textiles Technology students progress by using tasks such as practical work, portfolio, assignments, bookwork and unit tests.