Go-go boots, bell-bottom jeans, mini-skirts, and bikinis were all introduced during the 1960s. This fashion forward era changed the world of fashion. By cutting hems and showing more skin, designers were breaking out of traditional, conservative ways. In this week’s Throwback Thursday, we go back to 1966 when aspiring high school fashion students were learning how to sew, cook and clean. These students signed up to take Homemaking classes, otherwise known as Home Economics, or Family Consumer Science.

Throughout the years, women have been gaining more independence and recognition, but the “Homemaking” course title shows how women were expected to work at home. The “homemaking” title faded out along with many of the other 60s fads and progressed into Home Economics and into what we have today, Family Consumer Science (FCS).

“Students of family and consumer sciences learn about issues that affect individuals, families, and communities — especially issues that relate to the basic needs of food, shelter, clothing, and relationships,” stated College Board website.

At North Penn, FCS has evolved into a huge department offering many classes: Fashion Design, Food and Nutrition, Pre-School Lab, Independent Living, and more. We also have FCS clubs including the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and the Youth Education Association (YEA). The FCS classes have become a growing department that fit well with their new name.