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Woodwork

Wood Technology is a subject that will allow students to explore and learn about a key natural resource that nature has provided. Trees and wooden material have a unique relationship with nature and humankind. The sustainable use and management of this natural resource is important as the world faces the challenges of the 21st century. From habitats to construction or recreation to oxygen creation this resource can play a significant role in wellbeing of our planet. To this end it is important that students be given the opportunity to become knowledgeable about this resource, exploring its heritage and potential as a material for the future.

In Wood Technology, students will explore the natural and made world through the medium of design, seeking out opportunities to creatively and innovatively apply the material/resource in making and shaping their environment. Wood as a material resource has seen much innovation and change. Technological advances have created significant opportunities to expand the use of wood as a resource for a broad range of applications. However, the uniqueness of this material and craft is that many of the traditional applications and processes are still of value, transcending the test of time.

 

Learning will be experienced across three strands – Principles and practices, Design thinking and Wood science and materials. Throughout each of the strands, the use of four elements: Planning and managing, Communicating, Creating and Environment and sustainability creates a framework for student learning that ensures a coherent learning experience.

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Course Content
There are four Units covering : 
  • Wood Science and Materials

Students examine wood as a scares natural resource. How we can use wood to construct fabulous products that enhance our daily lives while still protecting the habits and forests for future generations to enjoy.  Students will explore the life cycle of tress and the different species of tress that live in Ireland and across the globe.

  • Principles and Practices 

Students will learn how to safely use common woodworking tools and machines to build various projects across the three years. Students will develop key skills to aid in the construction of projects but also skills that will be a benefit going into the future. The skills include hand eye- coordination, time management, independent working, self-motivation, planning projects, problem solving etc. 

  • Design thinking

Students will develop skills to answer a design problem and design a solution. students will communicate their design through sketches and drawings and develop a plan to construct their solution. This area gives the students great scope to show the ingenuity and creative side as each student develops their own distinct and unique projects. 

  • Projects

For projects students combine all the skills and knowledge from the previous units to complete a project that meets a design brief. Students need to be hard working and self-motivated to work through the problem presented to them and design a creative projects that meets that problem.

A Showcase of some students' work
Some examples of Junior Cycle work as well as some Leaving Certificate Projects.
Who would this subject suit at Junior Cycle?

The subject is suited to students who are willing to work hard, revise material covered regularly and it caters for all abilities.

Students who are self-motivated to work independently to create their portfolio to the highest possible standard 

Students who enjoy problem solving, and testing their creativity and ingenuity should consider this subject. 

Not necessary to write long essays - answers are presented in bullet points in general

Ideally, students would have an interest in designing and building projects and artefacts. 

Type of Homework/Projects/Assignments

The assessment of Wood Technology for the purposes of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) will comprise of:

  • Two Classroom-Based Assessments; Wood science in our environment and Student self-analysis and evaluation

  • Project (70%) / Final examination (30%)

Resources

In addition to a fully-equipped woodwork room with all appropriate tools, machines, etc, the Wood technology course supplemented by the use of ICT. The following websites have proven very useful in our exploration of the Wood technology course:

 

www.technoteachers.ie

www.onshape.com 

www.examinations.ie 

www.studyskills.com 

www.ncca.com 

www.googleclassroom.com 

www.youtube.com 

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