IE · Subject guide
Home Economics
Leaving Certificate Home Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
01 · Overview
Home Economics
Leaving Certificate Home Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
- Subject guide
- Leaving Certificate
- Topics mapped
- 13
02 · Complete topic map
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
- 01
Core 1 – Food Studies: Food Science and Nutrition
Study of the chemical and nutritional properties of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, water) and their roles, sources and effects of processing on the body.
- 02
Core 1 – Diet and Health
Examination of dietary requirements across the lifecycle, the Irish diet, energy balance, and diet-related health problems such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
- 03
Core 1 – Food Commodities and Preparation
Properties, dietary value, choice and culinary use of food commodities (meat, fish, eggs, milk, cereals, fruit and vegetables) together with cooking processes, sauces, pastry and sensory analysis.
- 04
Core 1 – Food Technology and Preservation
Principles of food processing, packaging and labelling, food additives, food microbiology, hygiene, and methods of food preservation.
- 05
Core 2 – Family Resource Management
Management of family resources including time, energy, money and skills, with household financial management covering budgeting, income, credit, savings and insurance.
- 06
Core 2 – Household Technology
Selection, operation and safe use of household appliances based on motors, heating elements and refrigeration, along with energy efficiency in the home.
- 07
Core 2 – Consumer Studies
Consumer behaviour, retail outlets and psychology, consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer protection legislation and the agencies that support consumers.
- 08
Core 3 – The Family in Society
Study of family structures, functions and historical development, and the role of the family as a unit within wider society.
- 09
Core 3 – Marriage and the Family as a Caring Unit
Marriage, separation, nullity and divorce, family law, the rights of children, and the family's role in caring for its members.
- 10
Practical Coursework (Food and Culinary Skills Journal)
Mandatory two-year practical food and culinary assignments recorded in a coursework journal, submitted to the SEC and worth 20% of the overall marks.
- 11
Elective 1 – Home Design and Management
In-depth study of housing, home design and the planning, organisation and management of the domestic environment as an extension of the core resource-management content.
- 12
Elective 2 – Textiles, Fashion and Design
Study of fibres, fabrics, garment construction and design and fashion principles, including a practical textile/garment project that is inspected and graded.
- 13
Elective 3 – Social Studies
Extended study of social change and the family, education, work and unemployment, childcare, poverty and leisure within contemporary Irish society.
03 · Where this subject applies
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Levels and pathways
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Regions
All registered regions
04 · Official sources
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
2
Public references
IE · EuraStudy Guides
Place this subject inside the complete curriculum.
Open the curriculum guide to see every subject and topic, or continue to EuraStudy Summa to begin working with the material.