St Andrew's School

Ambrose Streeet, Rose Hill, Mauritius

HOME ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT

Home Economics is a subject which has been taught at St. Andrew’s School since the foundation of the school in 1943. It was then known as Domestic Science and was taught to girls only as was the practice in all other girls’ schools on the island. The main aim was to give a foundation course to girls to prepare them for their future as the family care giver.

The syllabus was mainly centered on cooking and sewing. Later the subject was renamed Home Economics and two other parts were added to the syllabus: namely childcare and hygiene and Home management. Boys were offered agriculture while girls were doing Home Economics.

In 1992, the Rector, Mr. Donald Runghen decided to offer Home Economics and Agriculture to both boys and girls of Forms I, II and III. He had to face criticism from many parents who did not want their male wards to sew or cook; but he did not give up and kindly explained the reason behind such a decision: that to form independent individuals of tomorrow. After so many years, there are still a few parents who are surprised to hear that boys are offered this subject.

Making Home Economics compulsory in lower forms to all pupils attending the school made it possible to introduce Food and Nutrition at Form IV level three years later and to our great pleasure almost 50% of the first cohort were boys. Some are nowadays working in the catering or hotel industry. Those who are not in these sectors, boys and girls, are also very proud of their Home Economics classes as they always say that they have gained a lifelong education through this subject.

Since 1996, the school offers Food Studies to Form VI students. Every year there is a high demand for Food and Nutrition and Food Studies but unlike other subjects, the number of seats are limited because of the practical classes. In order to offer more seats, three more teachers have joined the department.

All classes have theory and practical sessions and as can be seen in the pictures below, the students are always very proud of their products.