Technological Subjects

Staff

Mr A O'Sullivan (Subject Co–ordinator)
Mr J Kingston

Within The High School there is a large emphasis placed upon the study of Technology. Technology education is provided through four syllabuses. These subjects contribute to a broad, balanced, and general education of pupils with particular reference to their vocational, further education, and a life-skill set.

Technology Subjects

Junior Certificate

  • Wood Technology
  • Graphics

Leaving Certificate

  • Construction Studies
  • Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)

Wood Technology (WT)

Wood Technology (WT) is one of the technology subjects offered at Junior Cycle. In WT you will learn to design small projects and the skills required to use tools and equipment to make your designs. You will work mainly with wood but also with other materials. You will learn about wood as a material and how it is produced.

What will I learn in WT?

Some of the things you will learn include:

  • How to design a project given a brief description of what you are to make
  • How to use the internet for research purposes
  • How to use freehand sketching to communicate your ideas
  • How to prepare a design drawing/plan of a project you design
  • How to read design drawings and make small projects from these drawings
  • How to safely use a range of hand and power tools in producing your design

 What is the WT Junior Cycle examination like?

There are two parts to the examination:

  • Coursework – you will design a project based on a given design brief (instructions). You will then make the project and prepare a project folder to accompany it (70%).
  • Written examination – there will be a one and a half hour written paper which examines the woodwork theory you have learned over the three years (30%). All candidates are examined at Common Level.
  • Classroom-based assessments (CBAs) – you will have the opportunity to explore wood science in our environment in CBA1 and a chance of reflection on the coursework you have completed over the three years in CBA2.

Is WT anything like what I did in primary school?

You will be building upon the drawing work you did in Visual Arts. You may already have learned a lot about wood as a material as part of your work in Science. You may also have learned about trees as part of the natural environment and as a habitat in both Geography and Science. The skills you developed when designing and making things in Science will also be very helpful in WT. You will also use your mathematical skills.

How will WT be useful to me?

  • You will know the correct procedures to follow when developing an idea into a finished artefact for example, a piece of furniture or a child’s toy.
  • You will be able to identify different trees, recognise their importance to us and our environment
  • You will also have the skills to make objects from wood and know how to apply appropriate finishes to them, for example, paint, varnish, stain, or polish.

Will WT be very different after the Junior Cycle?

WT develops into Construction Studies in Senior Cycle. In this subject:

  • The emphasis is on the principles behind building and construction
  • There is a large amount of practical work involved in the course
  • Drawing skills learned in WT will be further developed.

Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)

Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) is the follow-on subject from Junior Certificate Technical Graphics. The subject was first examined in June 2009 having replaced Technical Drawing. 

DCG involves problem solving and creative thinking. These skills are developed through solving problems in both 2-D and 3-D graphics. Graphics and design are communicated using a variety of media, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD).  The main areas of study are: Plane and Descriptive Geometry, Communication of Design and Computer Graphics, and Applied Graphics.

DCG is assessed at Ordinary Level and Higher Level by means of two assessment components: an assignment (of which CAD forms a significant and compulsory element) and an examination paper.

What will I learn in DCG?

Some of the things you will learn include:

  • How to produce drawings using drawing equipment, freehand sketches, and computers
  • How to read and interpret drawings and diagrams
  • Creative problem solving
  • Computer graphics and CAD modelling
  • Design capabilities

Will DCG have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

DCG will be very helpful in the study of Construction Studies as each of these subjects require you to make drawings of the pieces you will be making. The problem solving and geometry you will learn in DCG will prove very useful in Mathematics.

What is the DCG examination like?

Design and Communication Graphics is assessed at both Ordinary Level and Higher Level by means of a 3 hour examination (60%) and a project (40%) that includes a including a compulsory CAD element.

The project

40% of the total marks awarded in the Leaving Certificate are for the project. The project is completed in class time under the supervision of the teacher and takes approximately 40 hours to complete.

  • The emphasis of the project is on Elements of Design; Communication Graphics; and the Use of ICT in Design

How will DCG be useful to me?

Design and Communication Graphics helps you to think in a more logical and creative way. You will be able to communicate information using diagrams and sketches. You will have learned how to present information in a neat and organized fashion. This subject will be of use to you if you want to progress into career areas such as architecture, all engineering codes, trades people, and quantity surveying. This subject will develop your problem-solving skills through the completion of the assignment. 

Skills developed during the course:

These skills include graphic communication, creative problem solving, spatial abilities/visualization, design capabilities, computer graphics, and CAD modelling.  The creative and decision-making capabilities of pupils are developed within the activities associated with design. It is intended to develop the creative thinking and problem-solving abilities of students through project work.

Course structure:

  • Compulsory core elements (including CAD/ICT)
  • Five options (two to be studied)

Form 4

Construction Studies

  • An introduction to the built environment
  • Environmental issues relating to buildings
  • Modern technologies
  • Architectural planning
  • The construction industry
  • Drawings and documents
  • Practical project work

Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)

  • Draftsmanship, free hand drawing, pictorial drawing, perspective, rendered drawing
  • Standards and conventions
  • Descriptive geometry
  • Drawn project
  • Introduction to CAD and use of SOLIDWORKS software

Pupils who wish to take this subject for Leaving Certificate and who have not studied Technical Graphics for Junior Certificate can complete a Foundation Course as part of the Transition Year programme in Form 4.