This is a three-year course, which involves a practical and theory exam at Junior Certificate Level.
Examination: Students may sit the exam at either Higher or Ordinary level. The practical exam consists of a project to be undertaken by the pupil in Third year under the supervision of the teacher. The pupil is required to design and execute the project within the parameters of the design brief set down by the Department of Education & Science.
Accompanying this project is a “Write-up” on how the project was designed and executed. The “Write up” and “Artefact” combined are worth 25% at Higher level and 35% at Ordinary level of the overall grade.
The Theory exam is a two-hour exam on the work studied during the course of the three years.
Course Work: During the three years the pupil will undertake a significant amount of course work with a range of simple projects.
First Year: A corner shelf, toolbox etc.
Second Year: the projects are more challenging: A stool, a lamp-stand and a project of the student’s choice complete with a write up.
In the final year of the course emphasis is on the theory and project work.
Students need to be aware of the fact that there is a sizeable amount of theory to be studied.
In order to study senior cycle Building Construction a student should have successfully completed Junior Cycle Wood Technology.
Materials Technology - Wood
What the students think:
The reason why Woodwork is a good subject to choose is because it is a very challenging subject with lots of practical work. You learn to use materials that will help you in everyday life.
I enjoy Woodwork because my other option involves a lot of reading and this gives me a balance between academic and practical.
I enjoy the different projects like making a stool. I also enjoy learning how to create things myself.
I chose Woodwork because I thought it would be useful for doing DIY things in my home. I enjoy the subject so much I hope to study Construction Studies for my Leaving Certificate.
To survive in tomorrow’s world, a basic knowledge of technology is essential – How to make a shelf, screw down a sheet of metal, simple things which can dictate our existence. Woodwork is a course, which provides the knowledge in a fun, in a practical way, teaching the basics of technology through various projects made of wood.
