Introduction

The subject Consumer Studies focuses on developing knowledge, skills, values and attitudes in learners, to enable them to become responsible and informed consumers of food, clothing, housing, furnishings and household equipment, and to use resources optimally and in a sustainable manner.  The subject also promotes the application of knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and the production of quality marketable products that will meet consumer needs.  

Mission Statement:

To strive to make each individual learner reach her TRUE potential.

To encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

To encourage learning to be learner-centred and not teacher-centred.

To give learners an opportunity to learn and apply entrepreneurial skills.

To assist learners to reach their educational goals by providing ongoing support and guidance.

To keep abreast of current consumer issues, developments in food and nutrition and modification of products to suit consumer needs, marketing, interior design and fashion.

To make Consumer Studies a subject that is thought of in the highest regard.

To provide a comprehensive study programme to engage learners in well-designed, efficient and productive study.

To assess learners using many different tools, in order to obtain a holistic judgement based on knowledge, skill and attitudes and values.

To have an open-door policy to negotiate and address problems that may arise.

To be transparent about the assessment syllabus at the beginning of a learning experience.

To encourage learners to make use of the information technology resources they have at their disposal.

Syllabus

The topics that are covered are:          

• Entrepreneurship – production and marketing

• Food and Nutrition

• Clothing and Fashion

• Housing and Interiors

• Food Production/Practical – the learners do their practical in Term 2 & 3 and have a PAT in term 4.

The Consumer

Investigate channels for consumer complaints.

Analyse the implication of taxes, interest rates and inflation on management of available funds for acquiring food, clothing, housing and furnishings.

Food and Nutrition

Suggest guidelines for the prevention of nutritional and food related health conditions.

Identify consumer issues related to the impact of the selection and use of food on the natural and economic environment and suggest strategies for addressing the issues.

Clothing

Examine and describe current fashion trends for young adults.

Apply clothing theory to the selection of clothing for young adults.

Identify consumer issues related to the impact of the selection and use of clothing on the natural or economic environment and suggest strategies for addressing the issues.

Housing and Interiors

Explain the financial and contractual responsibilities of the occupants for different housing options and identify the role players involved.

Compare and evaluate the choice of large household equipment, and explain the financial, contractual and environmental responsibilities when purchasing such equipment.

Discuss the responsible use of municipal services and the importance of waste control related to housing and household equipment.

Entrepreneurship and Production – Theory

Formulate a plan to produce and market a quality product  - identify business opportunities, develop specifications for a product, control the quality of the product, develop a marketing plan, complete a financial feasibility study, determine production costs, selling price, profit and start-up needs, create a cash-flow projection.

Entrepreneurship and Production – Practical Assessment Task

FOOD PRODUCTION – the learner will formulate a plan for the production of a product, as well as apply theory and demonstrate practical skills to produce quality, marketable products while working individually.

If you have the qualities we are looking for and have always been interested in cooking, nutrition, fashion design, textiles, interior design and housing, marketing and consumer needs, then you are the person who should be studying Consumer Studies. It is easy to identify those pupils who have chosen it because they really want to, and those who have thought it to be an easy option!

Consumer Studies is a life skill - you will definitely use the skills you learn every day of your life.  So remember...you don’t have to study Consumer Studies solely to enter the relevant job opportunity fields of which there are many but you can choose it because it will help you in your everyday life and, most of all, it is FUN!

What Qualities do I need?

Even though Consumer Studies is fun – remember it is also hard work!

Consumer Studies students are those people who have a passion for food, clothing, housing, soft furnishings and interiors and have high standards, values and goals in life.

The Consumer Studies Department would like to see the following qualities:

• Passion

• Commitment

• Hard work

• Dedication

• Attention to detail

• Keen interest in health

• Love for life  - You are what you eat!

• Fashion-conscious—Interior awareness

• Time Management and organizational skills

• Creativity and flair