Over 300 secondary school teachers from across Scotland will gather at an annual Scottish Home Economics conference in Dundee tomorrow (Saturday May 8).
Organised by the University of Aberdeen School of Education, the Contemporary Issues in Home Economics conference is the fifth of its kind and continues to go from strength to strength each year.
The seminar will allow teachers, visiting specialists, senior management teams, and those with an interest in the subject, to discuss ideas on key issues for the continuing development and diversification of the subject, and to share good working practices.
In addition to formal discussions on policy matters, delegates will have the chance to further develop their continuing professional development and share experience and contacts with colleagues from across the country.
Yvonne Dewhurst, Lecturer in Home Economics at the University of Aberdeen, and Conference Organiser, said: "This conference is a high profile event and aims to address topical issues in education. The prevalence of obesity in young people is one example where home economics teachers, along with other partners like the Rowett Research Institute, can make a significant contribution to reducing this national burden."
The conference has established itself as a popular and informative event and, due to the critical shortage of Home Economics teachers across the country, it helps to raise the profile of the subject in Scotland.
A range of key academics will address the conference on issues such as obesity in Scotland, good practice in Home Economics, brain compatible learning and contemporary resources for the subject.
Attendees at the conference include The Scottish Qualifications Authority, The Rowett Research Institute, North Ayrshire Council, the University of Aberdeen, as well as a range of educational exhibitors.
During the day, The Baxters Award for Home Economics will be presented to a teacher who has made a significant contribution to the subject. Delegates will also be set the task of judging the winning school entries in the Scottish Healthyliving Food Challenge 2004, organised by Sainsbury's.