Engineering
Engineering promotes an educational understanding of the materials and a knowledge of the processes associated with mechanical engineering. This is achieved through the development of skills and initiative in the planning, development and realization of technological projects in a safe manner.
Study of engineering involves research into principles and processes. Use of research into possible solutions to problems. The design function: selection of materials, shapes, sizes and processes.
Junior Certificate metalwork is all but essential as a pre-requisite to taking engineering at Leaving Cert. The course is a mixture of practical work, design and theory. You will have to present a project as part of the Leaving Certificate examination, The design brief is issued in mid October each year with a completion Engineering project from one of our LC students date of the first Friday in March.
In Portumna Community School Engineering students have 5 classes per week over the two years with a balance between theory and practical. A considerable amount of the theory course (50% of the final examination) is covered in fifth year.
The syllabus is presented in two sections:
1. Workshop Processes. This section represents all the practical processes which may
be applied in the school workshop integral with the related theory. This section will
carry 300 marks in the examination at both levels. Ordinary and Higher:
There will be 150 marks for a practical examination and 150 marks for assessment of
workshop/laboratory work and projects.
2 Materials and Technology. This section represents the wider knowledge and
technology as a whole. In the written examinations this section will carry 200 marks
at Ordinary level and 300 marks at Higher level
In summary: Design Project: (Nov. To Mar. (25%) Practical Examination (6hrs) - May 25% Written Examination 50%
Career Possibilities
Engineering is useful for the following careers: mechanical engineering, product design, trade apprenticeships, motor technology.