Leaving Cert: Home economics

Home economics continues to be among the most relevant of all Leaving Cert subjects, with questions about the changing nature of marriage and the family, nutrition and consumer rights among the topics appearing on this year’s higher level paper.

Julie Sweeney, vice-president of the Home Economics Teachers Association and a teacher at Davis College in Mallow, said the paper was student-friendly and accessible.

Some of the shorter questions challenged students on the difference between life assurance and mortgage protection, air pollution and yeast; these were slightly tougher but not unfair, she said.

Importance of fibre

Students sitting the higher level paper were required to talk at length about the importance of fibre in the diet, with optional questions on fish, the rise and rise of frozen foods, economic recovery and the family. The question on frozen foods highlighted their benefits in terms of health and convenience.

Ms Sweeney said the question on the family gave students a chance to discuss last year’s marriage referendum, the changing nature of the family and the challenges that modern families face.

Sandra Cleary, a home economics teacher at the Institute of Education in Dublin, said the ordinary level paper was fair and accessible, with no surprises.

“The short questions were particularly straight forward. Later in the paper, students were asked to discuss rental accommodation increases, and this may have proved tricky for some.”