Home Economics
The Home Economics Department has had another busy and exciting term, with students developing practical skills, exploring food and textile technologies, and gaining valuable insights into industry practices. From cooking and sewing to food science, hospitality and sustainability, our students have embraced a range of hands-on learning experiences.
Our Year 11 Hospitality students enjoyed an engaging coffee incursion with Sparks Coffee Roasters, gaining an insight into the world of coffee and the many career opportunities within the industry. Students explored:
- The coffee industry and employment opportunities
- Coffee tasting and sensory evaluation
- The science behind roasting and brewing
- Innovations and emerging trends within the coffee industry
- Sustainable practices and their importance to the future of coffee
We were delighted to welcome our Principal, Mrs Shearing into a number of Home Economics classes this term. Mrs Shearing rolled up her sleeves and joined our students in the practical activities.
- Year 8 Fabulous Food: prepared delicious sausage rolls
- Year 8 Fabulous Fabric: used the sewing machine to make a bookmark
- Year 9 Food in the Fast Lane: prepared pizza pinwheels
- Year 12 Hospitality: put her barista skills to the test by making coffee
It was wonderful to see our Principal getting involved in the practical side of Home Economics and experiencing the variety of learning opportunities our students enjoy.
The Home Economics Department proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week by providing students with the opportunity to make bracelets. This hands-on activity encouraged students to engage with NAIDOC Week while developing their creativity and practical skills.
Our Year 8 Fabulous Food students have begun their Home Economics journey and are developing the essential kitchen skills required for successful cooking. Students have been learning about kitchen safety, hygiene, equipment and accurate measuring, while putting these skills into practice through a range of delicious recipes. So far, students have prepared pizza, French toast, sausage rolls and chocolate chip cookies. It has been fantastic to see students building their confidence in the kitchen and developing their independence with practical tasks.
Our Year 11 Food Science and Technology students explored the techniques used by the food industry to make products look appealing to consumers. Students designed, prepared and styled their own burgers before photographing their creations and developing a food advertisement. This project allowed students to combine their knowledge of food preparation with creativity, photography, presentation and marketing techniques.
Year 12 Food Science and Technology students took on the role of a meal delivery service, developing and producing a two-course meal suitable for delivery to consumers. Students researched wet and dry processing techniques, food packaging requirements and relevant labelling regulations. They then prepared their meals, selected suitable packaging and developed food labels and nutrition information panels. This project provided an excellent opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to a realistic food industry scenario while considering food safety, processing, packaging, nutrition and presentation.
Our Year 11 and 12 Certificate II in Hospitality students supported the Push-Up Challenge this term by making and selling delicious cupcakes as part of the fundraising activities. Students demonstrated their hospitality and enterprise skills while contributing to an important cause. It was wonderful to see our students using their practical skills to support an initiative focused on mental health and wellbeing.
Taryn Smith, Home Economics Teacher in Charge