Construction Studies
These subjects are 'hands- on' and involve working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. They may involve designing, planning and building things.
Construction Studies introduces students to the knowledge and skills associated with construction technology and construction materials and practices.
This is achieved through both theoretical study and integrated practical projects which provide a basis for the thorough exploration of materials and processes.
This subject has proven to be very popular with over 8,000 students taking the subject last year.
Third Level Entry Requirements
This subject is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system.
Subject Content
The course is essentially about the study of buildings and the built environment. The theoretical part of the course examines all parts of building from the planning stages to the completed building. The course is studied under the following main headings.
Planning and Design
Drawings and Documents
Site Preliminaries and Foundations
Walls, Partitions
Floors, Roofs
Fireplaces
Windows and Doors
Stairs
Plastering and Painting
Plumbing and Heating
Services
Drainage
Exam Structure
The examination at higher and ordinary levels has three separate components.
Section A Three hour written paper worth 300 marks. The exam consists of 10 questions out of which five have to be attempted. Question 1 is a compulsory drawing question of a building detail.
Section B 4 hour practical woodwork exam where the student makes a small item out of timber under exam conditions. The exam normally takes place in May. This accounts for 150 marks.
Section C Building Project where the student makes a building detail, a scale model of a building or a craft piece. The student also produces a portfolio to accompany the project that they make. Ideally this project must be completed by Christmas. This accounts for 150 marks.
Comment
These subjects are 'hands- on' and involve working with tools and machinery on physical things like wood, metals and plastic. They may involve designing, planning and building things.
Construction Studies introduces students to the knowledge and skills associated with construction technology and construction materials and practices.
This is achieved through both theoretical study and integrated practical projects which provide a basis for the thorough exploration of materials and processes.
This subject has proven to be very popular with over 8,000 students taking the subject last year.
Third Level Entry Requirements
This subject is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system.
Subject Content
The course is essentially about the study of buildings and the built environment. The theoretical part of the course examines all parts of building from the planning stages to the completed building. The course is studied under the following main headings.
Planning and Design
Drawings and Documents
Site Preliminaries and Foundations
Walls, Partitions
Floors, Roofs
Fireplaces
Windows and Doors
Stairs
Plastering and Painting
Plumbing and Heating
Services
Drainage
Exam Structure
The examination at higher and ordinary levels has three separate components.
Section A Three hour written paper worth 300 marks. The exam consists of 10 questions out of which five have to be attempted. Question 1 is a compulsory drawing question of a building detail.
Section B 4 hour practical woodwork exam where the student makes a small item out of timber under exam conditions. The exam normally takes place in May. This accounts for 150 marks.
Section C Building Project where the student makes a building detail, a scale model of a building or a craft piece. The student also produces a portfolio to accompany the project that they make. Ideally this project must be completed by Christmas. This accounts for 150 marks.
Comment
- It is recommended that a student taking Leaving Certificate Construction Studies has a general interest in buildings and the built environment.
- Each student should have an aptitude and interest for design and practical work.
- Woodwork and/or Technical Graphics would be desirable subjects to have taken at Junior Certificate though not compulsory.