Construction Studies
Overview
Construction Studies is a subject offered as an option to all students at senior cycle in John the Baptist Community School. The subject is devised around both practical, (including project design) and theoretical elements looking to develop an understanding of materials, design and manufacturing with the main emphasis on the built environment. The subject promotes a student’s fine motor skills including precise hand to eye co-ordination. Students learn best building practices which includes safe, economical and sustainable building methods.
Students learn a lifelong understanding of construction through practical and theoretical applications with the knowledge acquired. This knowledge is beneficial and applicable for the rest of their lives taking into account the evolving nature of the building industry.
The subject is taught in two specialist rooms. These areas are fully equipped with the necessary hand-tools, power-tools and machines needed in the preparation, manufacture and finishing of projects. In addition to this the rooms also provide, visualisers, projectors and physical models used in the delivery of content.
Materials Technology Wood is examined at Junior Certificate through two elements:
|
Element |
Percentage |
| Terminal Exam | 50% |
| Practical Design Project and Portfolio | 25% |
| Practical Skills Test (Carpentry & Joinery) |
25% |
The subject develops a number of skills where are applicable in a many areas and is beneficial when pursuing a career in any of the following areas Construction, Engineering, Technology, Design, Manufacturing, Architecture, Interior Design, Product etc.
Skills Developed
- Acquisition of knowledge
- Application of scientific knowledge
- Analysing
- Designing
- Evaluating
- Dexterity
- Accuracy
- Numeracy
- Literacy
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Spatial awareness
- Manipulative skills
- Problem solving
- Environmental awareness
- Time management
- Reflection
- Tabulating information
- Portfolio presentation
- Experimentation