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Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Formerly known as Home Economics, Family and Consumer Sciences focuses on teaching students how to become a well educated, hard working member of society. FCS courses provide students the necessary tools to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for work and family life.
Skills Taught
Strengthening the well-being of individuals and families across the life span.
Becoming responsible citizens and leaders in family, community, and work settings.
Promoting optimal nutrition and wellness across the life span.
Managing resources to meet the material needs of individuals and families.
Balancing personal, home, family and work lives.
Using critical and creative thinking skills to address problems in diverse families, communities, and work environments.
Exemplifying successful life management, employment, and career development.
Functioning effectively as providers and consumers of goods and services.
In Rockingham County we have an incredible Family and Consumer Sciences program within all four of our high schools and middle schools. Family and Consumer Sciences is known as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course. This simply means the main focus of the class is to prepare students for their future careers and life outside of high school. A unique aspect of CTE courses is that they are co-curricular and integrate in material from their respective Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). The CTSO associated with FCS is Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).
Many people are quick to relate Family and Consumer Sciences classes to cooking, however, FCS offers students a large variety of class options to fit their needs and interests. At Turner Ashby High School we offer a total of 8 different FCS classes and a new fusion class with our agriculture department called "Farm to Table".
FCS Classes Offered at Turner Ashby High School
Early Childhood Education
Students focus on careers related to the early childhood field through hands-on exploration, projects, and cooperative learning experiences, including an overview of principles of child growth ad development; appreciation of diversity; engaging learning experiences for children; principles of appropriate and effective guidance; healthy and safe environments; and development of self-concepts and building self-efficacy.
Teachers for Tomorrow
Hands on opportunity to foster student interest in and appreciation for the teaching profession. Students will build positive learning environments and discover learner differences. A wonderful opportunity if you are interested in being a teacher or working with young children; students are assigned as a student aid to a local elementary school for one class period.
Individual Development
Focuses on encouraging personal potential of self and others throughout the life span; enhancing positive views of self and others; managing stressful situations; formulating a plan to achieve career goals; forming healthy, caring relationships with family members and peers; managing conflict; choosing responsible ways to express oneself; and evaluating the importance of responsible parenting to individuals, families, and society.
Introduction to Food Operations
Provides students with opportunities to explore career options and entrepreneurial opportunities within the food service industry. Students investigate food safety and sanitation, explore culinary preparation foundations, practice basic culinary skills, explore diverse cuisines and service styles, investigate nutrition and menu development, and examine the economics of food. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on science and mathematics knowledge and skills.
Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
Focuses on developing professional skills and using emerging technologies to prepare for employment in this global industry, rich in diverse career opportunites. The program includes instruction in the industries of lodging, food and beverage, travel and tourism, and recreation and fitness.
Child Development and Parenting
Focuses on assessing the impact of the parenting role in society; taking responsibility for individual growth within the parenting role; preparing for a healthy emotional and physical beginning for parent and child; meeting developmental needs of children and adolescents; building positive parentchild relationships; using positive guidance and discipline to promote self-discipline, self-respect, and socially responsible behavior; obtaining parenting information, support, and assistance; and planning ways that families and society can share in nurturing children and adolescents.
Nutrition and Wellness
Focuses on understanding wellness, investigating principles of nutrition, using science and technology in food management, ensuring food safety planning menus and preparing food, and exploring careers in the field of nutrition and wellness. Critical thinking and practical problem solving are emphasized.
Independent Living
Equips students with life skills focusing on establishing positive relationships, balancing work and family life, investigating careers, making responsible consumer choices, managing personal and family finance, creating and maintaining a living environment, obtaining and maintaining clothing, preparing and serving nutritious foods, and studying child development and parenting.
Farm-to-Table
Most of us know very little about the vast system of agricultural production, food processing, distribution, retailing, marketing, preservation, and preperation that influences every food choice we make. Throughout this course principles in Agriculture and Family and Consumer Sciences are combined to gain a better understanding of the cultural and economic forces that influence our food system.
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