To think that microwaving a potato

[Roseformeplease]

and putting some cheese on it is hardly a worthwhile Home Economics lesson?

Just that, really. DD made that today in her S1 (year 7) class. We don't have to supply ingredients but what a waste of time.

At home she makes cakes, meringues, quiches etc. Is it any wonder she is choosing Chemistry?

it does show them how to peel and chop and whatnot ankle dd has her kitchen health certificate doodah from home economics

Compos

I am waiting for someone to have a fit of the vapours about the kids eating cheese, claiming it is a terrible example to set and this fat laden poison

Your bingo card is full. Been done! Can we have a picture of it?

Also, when I first left home, all I had was a microwave, a teaspoon and a fiver. I cooked bacon in it and all sorts!

My dad used to cook bacon for me in the microwave it's an absolute travesty! Apparently it 'doesn't smell the house out' doing it that way.

When I go home I make sure I do breakfasts for everyone!

Also someone mentioned 6 things 6 ways earlier. I think that's a fantastic idea.

So eggs, mince, pasta etc

Ah I missed that one. Tilly!

I would put the bingo card up, but I am too busy enjoying a pot noodle and babycham for elevenses.

I know it does improve mrsjay DS is taking HE as an option in fact-he loves it.

I just think that peeling the potato, chopping it up, boiling it, knowing when it's 'done' followed by mashing it with a little butter and milk would be a more productive lesson than 'poke with a fork and nuke' iyswim?

my mum makes amazing bacon in the microwave it is delicious she can get it to go crispy I just make it soggy and slimey

Seems reasonable. IMO rather than the design bollocks in the lower half of secondary the tech subjects should be focusing on small projects that demonstrate ask the basic skills.

So this would have been an illustration of sensible microwave timings/how to make lunch in 5 minutes. A textiles project would be to make a simple pair of shorts etc. Because the current system does a disservice to those who can already do it all and those who don't know where to start.

I have no problem with cheese (especially if it comes with pickle) or with potatoes, baked or otherwise. It just shows a lack of ambition for pupils most of the way through a YEAR of HE; using a microwave is not hard, nor is grating cheese.

Cheesybadger, snap

Tbh id much rather my daughter spent time at school doing chemistry rather than home ec

If she can master chemistry experiments I feel confident she'll be able to read instructions for cooking a potato or boiling an egg in later life

Rose, I do understand your point of view. It is so important that people are taught basic skills from an early age, and this should initially start at home.

I believe home economics is essential at school, however I don't see how class of 30 will all learn. I can't imagine how a teacher would effectively teach a class that size how to make a white sauce. Imagine running between every one to check they are actually getting it right?

Then also getting them to understand how this will be a useful tool for many dishes.

Cooking classes, in my opinion, should be with at most 6 people.

I learnt how to make a white sauce in a class of 30. And how to use it to make many other dishes.

Yes, agree but in Scotland there is a maximum class size of 18 for practical subjects and, in a tiny school, it is a class of 12!

Mrsjay can you ask your mum her secret? My gran who is in her nineties isn't allowed (by the family) to cook using a cooker, due to forgetting to switch it off. She's allowed the micro but was moaning about non crispy bacon to me just yesterday.

Gran is very independent and still lives in her own home. Personally I think she should be allowed the cooker and treated like an adult but it isn't my decision. I tried to get her started with a slow cooker but one of the aunties put the kibosh on that.