Engineering is the discipline, art and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize a solution to the needs of society.

Junior Certificate Engineering

Junior Certificate Engineering at Curriculum Online

Course Structure

Engineering at Junior Certificate level is a three year course. Over the three years students cover the topic of Engineering under three interconnected Strands :

Strand 1 : Processes & Principles : In this strand, students will learn about and employ the fundamental processes and principles of engineering. Students will apply their knowledge of materials and equipment to design and manufacture products. Students will be encouraged to use the engineering principles and processes, together with accuracy and precision, to help develop an engineering ‘mindset’ which ultimately leads to the production of innovative and efficient solutions of high quality and finish.
Strand 2 : Design Application : In this strand, students will learn about the key stages of the engineering design process. They will understand the importance of design in both the end-user experience and the economic and social impact of the product. They will discover how informed choice of materials and processes combine to produce a solution that is functional and efficient. Students will learn the value of good project management and how to manage themselves and the product development through the journey from the design to the manufacture stage.
Strand 3 : Mechatronics : In this strand, students will use a combination of mechanical, manufacturing, electronic and software engineering to explore the relationship between simple inputs, processes and outputs. Mechatronics engages students in learning how high-tech manufacturing is performed and why it is becoming one of the fastest-growing career areas. Students will develop an appreciation of how control systems operate on a much larger scale and consider how the design of control systems can impact positively on the environment and sustainability. They will appreciate the role that Engineering can play in employing ‘systems thinking’ to design products and services that contribute to a better future.

Assessment

In-house exams will be conducted at Christmas of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year and at Summer of 1st and 2nd Year. Mock exams will take place in February of 3rd Year.

CBA 1 : Engineering in Action - The teacher’s judgement is recorded for the purpose of subject learning and assessment review, and for the school’s reporting to parents and students. The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term two of second year.

CBA 2 : Research and development - The teacher’s judgement is recorded for the purpose of subject learning and assessment review, and for the school’s reporting to parents and students. This CBA will inform the student’s work under the Project assessment. The CBA will be completed within a three-week period during term one of third year.

Project (70%) : Will be specified and marked by the State Examinations Commission annually.

Written examination (30%) : Set and marked by State Examinations Commission.

Health & Safety

Health and Safety is extremely important in a workshop and this is stressed to the students at all times. Machines and even tools, if used incorrectly, can be very dangerous, so students are trained in safe procedures and how to react in the case of an emergency.

Leaving Certificate Engineering

Leaving Certificate Engineering at Curriculum Online

Course Structure

The Leaving Certificate Engineering course is covered over a two year period. Students cover a wide variety of theory topics as well as designing and manufacturing a number of projects. More information on the theory topics covered is available by looking through the Syllabus via the above link.

Design and the Design Process forms a major part of the Engineering course. While not essential it is an advantage to have studied Engineering / Metalwork to Junior Certificate level.

Assessment

In-house exams will be conducted at Christmas of 1st and 2nd Year and at Summer of 1st Year. Mock exams will take place in February of 3rd Year. Topic tests will be conducted when topics are completed so long as they are not too close to an in-house exam.

The State Exams for Engineering consist of three parts. The Project, the Practical and the Written Exam. The Project is issued around Halloween of Year 2, to be completed by the middle of April approximately. The Practical is a 6 hour exam conducted usually in the first week of May in the 2nd Year. The Written Exam is conducted in June of the 2nd Year. Both the Project and the Practical are completed in the Engineering room, with the Practical being conducted under exam condidtions with an Invigilator present.

Examination Marks Breakdown
	Ordinary		Higher
	Marks	%	Marks	%
Project	150	30%	150	25%
Practical	150	30%	150	25%
Written	200	40%	300	50%

Health & Safety

Leaving Certificate Applied Engineering

Leaving Certificate Applied Engineering at Curriculum Online

Course Structure

LCA Engineering is a two year course. Over the two years students must complete four modules from five. Each Module takes approximately half a school year.

Module 1 : Engineering Core (Mandatory)*
Module 2 : General Engineering
Module 3 : Motor Engineering
Module 4 : Decorative Metalwork
Module 5 : Engineering Systems**

* Module 1 - Engineering Core, is a mandatory module.

** Module 5 - Engineering Systems consists of 5 Topics, of which two must be completed.

Each Module contains Units of Learning and a number of Key Assignments which must be completed.

Over the two years the students will also have to complete a Vocational Specialism Task, (usually Year 1), as well as a Terminal Practical Examination, (second half of Year 2)

Assessment

Credits are awarded based on 90% attendance and completion of Module Key Assignments.

Students will take in-house examinations at Christmas and Summer of Year 1 and Christmas of Year 2. Mock Exams will take place in February of Year 2.

State Exams consist of a Terminal Practical Examination, (worth 160 marks / 40%), and a Written Examination, (worth 240 marks / 60%).

Health & Safety

Links

PracticalStudent.com - Mr. Mansfield’s website dedicated to Metalwork, Engineering and other technical practical subjects.
PracticalStudent.com on YouTube - Mr. Mansfield's YouTube channel.

Technologystudent.com - Excellent Engineering and Technology website for students.

Examinations.ie - Government website where you can find examination papers for all subjects.