Home Economics is an interdisciplinary field of study that endeavors to equip students with practical and social skills, knowledge and attitudes that are essential for success in a global society.

At Senior Secondary level it is offered as three separate subjects in the Creative, Technical and Vocational option block; Food and Nutrition, Home Management and Fashion and Fabrics.

Home Management is a discipline within Home Economics emphasising the interaction of the individual with the environment and how he/she effectively uses resources and utilises indigenous materials.

The estimated time allocated for Home Management at Senior Secondary level is four (4) periods of 40 minutes per week

 

Rationale

The Home Economics programme seeks to equip learners with life skills that will help them to cope with changes in a technological, socio-economical and multi-cultural society. The programme provides the learners with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in both theoretical and practical aspects of the subjects. It provides opportunities for learners to understand and appreciate the importance of the subject in a rapidly changing society.

The Home Economics programme inculcates positive attitudes towards cost effectiveness in the utilisation of local and indigenous resources. It also looks closely at the use of other resources. The programme teaches learners to be self‑reliant, business minded and health conscious. These challenges promote the well being of the individual, family and society. The programme responds to changes in society and thus maintains its realism.

The Home Management programme strives to develop in the learners both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in problem solving situations taking into account such factors as basic needs, lifestyles, financial resources, health, environmental and any other emerging issues and their effects on the individual, family and the society.

It aims at developing in the learner an appreciation of the importance of the subject in a rapidly changing society.

Aims of Senior Secondary Programme

On completion of the 2-year Senior Secondary programme candidates should have:

1. acquired knowledge, developed confidence and ability to assess their personal strengths and weaknesses and be realistic in choosing appropriate career/employment opportunities and/or further education and training.
2. developed skills to assist them in solving technical and technological problems as they relate to day-to-day life situations.
3. developed desirable attitudes and behavioral patterns in interacting with the environment in a manner that is protective, preserving and nurturing.
4. acquired attitudes and values, developed basic skills and understanding to allow for execution of rights and responsibilities as good citizens of Botswana and the world.

5. developed information technology skills as well as an understanding and appreciation of their influence in day-to-day activities.
6. acquired knowledge, attitudes and practices that will ensure good family and health practices, including awareness and management of epidemics (such as HIV/AIDS) that prepare them for productive life.
7. developed pre-vocational knowledge and manipulative skills that will enable them to apply content learnt and attitudes and values developed to practical life situations in the world of work.
8. developed an understanding of and acquired basic skills in business, everyday commercial transactions and entrepreneurship.
9. developed foundation skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, inquiry, teamwork / interpersonal to help them to be productive and adaptive to survive in a changing environment.
10. develop study skills required for further studies and training.

Aims of Senior Secondary Home Economics Programme

On completion of the 2- Year Senior Secondary Home Economics programme, the learner should have:

1. acquired academic rigour, to stimulate, enjoy and sustain interest in Home Economics as preparation for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience in adult life.
2. developed knowledge and skills for effective organisation and management of family resources in relation to the needs and lifestyles of members.
3. developed critical and analytical thinking skills to enhance effectiveness in decision making and problem solving in a contemporary society.
4. developed awareness and ability to adapt to new technologies, including information technology to enhance productivity.
5. developed qualities of sensitivity and aesthetic awareness needed to respond positively in a variety of situations in life.
6. developed awareness and appreciation of the consumer situation locally, regionally and internationally.
7. developed awareness of mandatory and other necessary safety requirements.
8. developed healthy eating habits by implementation of good nutritional practices.
9. acquired an understanding of human needs for food and textiles and the influences that the changing circumstances exert upon them.
10. developed awareness of consumerism and environmental issues

 

Aims of the Senior Secondary Home Management Programme

On completion of the 2-Year Home Management course, the learner should have:

1. developed technological knowledge and skills to enhance productivity.
2. developed consumer awareness and appreciation for decision-making in the world of work/globally.
3. developed foundation skills and awareness of environmental issues and sustainable use of resources.
4. developed knowledge, skills and aesthetic awareness in the living environment.
5. acquired basic managerial and entrepreneurial skills for effective use of resources.
6. developed knowledge, skills and attitudes to solve both theoretical and practical problems.
7. acquired knowledge and developed attitudes and practices that ensure quality health.

8. developed critical and analytical thinking skills to enhance effectiveness in decision-making and problem solving in a contemporary society.
9. acquired knowledge and confidence to assess competency and opportunities available in the world of work.
10. developed teamwork and interpersonal skills in a productive and adaptive changing world.

Recommended Teaching Methods

The syllabus encourages a learner- centred approach. The learner should be responsible for his/her learning through undertaking tasks using available resources including indigenous materials. Learners with varying aptitudes and abilities are challenged to achieve the highest possible standards of excellence. This will be achieved through the design process and discovery learning.

In this way, the end- product will no longer be the only credited factor, the skills and expertise in the process of producing an item are also recognised and duly merited.

Every learner is challenged to achieve his/her highest possible standards of excellence.

The teacher facilitates learning through various teaching methods such as problem solving, projects, experiments, cooperative learning and demonstrations relating to the learners experience.

 

Assessment Objectives

 

Knowledge with understanding

Learners will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in relation to:

– social, economic and environmental needs

• scientific, technological terminology and principles
• suitability and correct use of equipment/ tools
• techniques, methods and the need for accuracy
• creative and artistic considerations
• safety, hygiene rules and regulations
• factors influencing choice of resources

Handling information and solving problems

Learners should be able to:

– read and interpret information

• translate information from one form to the other
• manipulate data
• organise and manage resources in a given situation
• estimate and measure accurately
• identify problems
• identify priorities when solving problems
• assess and evaluate the effectiveness of the course of action
• recommend further development of the product

Practical skills and their application

Learners should be able to:

• follow given instructions
• test and compare techniques and methods, materials and equipment/tools
• create and evaluate a product
• demonstrate manipulative skills
• carry out a variety of processes
• present finished work

Assessment

At the end of the course a final written examination will be administered.  Continuous assessment in the form of individual study and a Projectwill also contribute to certification. Individual study assesses the learner’s ability to apply knowledge and understanding in relation to the subject content. A Projectassesses some of the skills the student gained during the course.

Syllabus organisation

The syllabus has been organised into the following modules:

Module 1:         The Living Environment

This module introduces the learner to the natural environment and also how the learner interacts with the environment. Different kinds of accommodation are discussed and more emphasis is on housing needs, acquisition and planning. The types of fuels used and linked with this is energy conservation in the home is also of importance. Related to this is the removal of and managing of waste in the environment. The modules also develop in learner’s skills that they can use to decorate or enhance the interior or exterior of a house.

Module 2:         Resources management and consumer education

This module provides a basis for the subject. It also complements other Home Economics subjects such as Food and Nutrition and Fashion and Fabrics. It serves to broaden knowledge and provides scope on decision-making and effective use of resources. The module looks at a range of decisions and choices that are made by consumers. It helps the consumer to make informed choices when buying and using goods.

 

Module 3:         Social Care

This module provides an insight into how population and parenting have an effect on the well being of an individual. The impact of the demographic tendencies on the economic development, education, and health is also highlighted. Upbringing of children and caring for the terminally ill, substance and human related abuse are issues that are also of importance to our learners, and these help in the improvement of the well being of individuals.