Investigating the experiences of a sample of form 3 classes taking Home Economics and Hospitality class as an option choice

Abstract

In September 2010, several vocational subjects have been introduced as a pilot study in a sample of state and church schools. If this project is successful, the Education Directorate envisages that the first cohort of students will get the necessary BTEC qualifications in three years time. This study focuses mainly on the insight of the experience of students and teachers of Hospitality, one of the new vocational subjects. It also sheds light on the factors involved when there is the introduction of a new subject in schools. The study compares the students' and teachers' involvement in these subjects, the content of subjects, the tasks set, the difficulties and the reactions to their chosen subjects. The study is original in nature as the introduction of vocational subjects in Maltese secondary schools is relatively new. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with respondents piloting BTEC Hospitality in secondary schools. This enabled the researcher to analyse and compare differences between Home Economics and Hospitality. Seventy-eight questionnaires were distributed with Form 3 and Form 4 students studying Hospitality and three face-to-face interviews with Hospitality and Home Economics teachers were carried out to obtain information regarding the different experiences of both subjects. The analysis of both research tools showed that students studying both subjects together might have a prosperous career in the Hospitality Industry and that studying a vocational subject provides benefits for students who do not do well in examinations. Moreover, Hospitality proved to increase the popularity of Home Economics.