Home Economics

The Home Economics department at Mercy College is a vibrant, dynamic and constantly evolving environment, with courses designed to challenge the way students think about themselves and the wider community, whilst providing the life skills which will enable them to lead independent and meaningful lives.

The courses offered in Home Economics fall into three areas

Food Technology and Hospitality:

The importance of healthy food education and the development of positive food habits forms the basis of all the courses offered from Year 7 to Year 12. Students learn to prepare, cook and present delicious and nutritionally balanced ‘everyday food’, using a variety of cooking techniques and different cuisines. Students are encouraged to design their own healthy recipes using specific ingredients and a limited budget which encourages creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and the development of important life skills.

Both ATAR and General Food Science & Technology courses are available in Years 11 and 12.

 

The College is now a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden school with a thriving vegetable garden, enabling cross-curricular activities.

A Certificate II in Hospitality is also available in Year 11 and Year 12, which incorporates barista training.

 

Fashion Design and Technology:

This rapidly growing subject area offers students from Years 7 through to Year 12 the opportunity to learn how to design and make their own fashion items using the latest technology. A Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design & Technology is available for study in Year 11 and Year 12, which could lead to a future in the fashion industry. A Sewing Club is offered to students wishing to sew out of class time and specialist support is given to students wishing to participate in the Apex Teenage Fashion Awards competition.

 

Children, Family and the Community:

Available in Years 9 to Year 12 the Children, Family and the Community courses are designed to equip the students with the knowledge, understanding and experience to interact with babies and young children –

either in a work-related field, within their own families and communities or as parents in the future.

In Year 9 and 10 students study a wide variety of topics, ranging from conception, pregnancy and birth to early childhood development and care. The Year 10 students also take part in the Baby Think it Over program which involves caring for a virtual ‘baby’ for 48 hours.

In Year 11 and 12 the Children, Family and the Community General course focuses on factors that influence human development and the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities in contemporary Australia.

Mrs Alison Peterson | Head of Home Economics