Consumer Studies teaches learners about responsible and informed consumer behaviour in respect of food, clothing, housing, furnishings and household equipment. Consumer Studies aims to teach learners to make informed decisions, and to make optimal use of resources to improve human well-being. In the practical component of the subject learners have an opportunity to produce and market different products.

Why chose Consumer Studies:

Practical component: Food Production – A total of twelve skill practical lessons are done annually in Grade 10 and 11. Six skill practical lessons are done on Grade 12. There are two PAT’s which are done in June and November as the examination which account for 25% of your final mark.

Should you chose Consumer Studies as an option:

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 learners who have chosen it because they really want to, and those who have through it to be an easy option.

Consumer Studies is a life-skill. You will definitely use the skills you learn everyday of your life. Remember, you dont have to to study Consumer Studies solely to enter the relevant job opportunity fields of which there are many, but you can chose it because it will help you in everyday life and most of all, it is FUN!

Employment Opportunities:

• Consumer Services and event management
• Co-ordinate events within the fields of food or design
• Marketing and Management
• Marketing consumer products within a company
• Public Relations and Media
• Promoting products to consumers and dealing with advertising
• Product development and quality assurance
• Developing new consumer products suited to their needs
• Promotion or Liaison Officer
• Journalism
• Dietitian
• Self-employment / entrepreneur producing and marketing food, clothing and soft furnishing products (small scale)
• PR Officials for all large food, clothing, furnishings, chain stores, handling consumer issues
• Catering and hospitality industry as part of the tourism industry
• Community services and development
• Clothing and interior design (coupled with Art).
• Formal Education / Adult Education