Junior Cycle

Introduction

The Technical Graphics course is set up in a way to help nurture the students spatial awareness, problem solving and imagination to produce precise drawings of objects in everyday life as well as designing solutions to problems they see in the world around them. The courses in still a sense of order and organisation in the classroom environment as well as in problem solving at the stages that maybe required.

At the end of the course pupils will be able to neatly portray their ideas in well proportioned sketches and also accurately dimensioned and neatly draw their solution.

History

Many people will remember the days when Technical graphics was called Mechanical Drawing. With the introduction of Technical Graphics the emphasis was brought more to everyday life and what objects all students studying it would recognise. More visualisation tasks were included and it brought the relevance of the subject closer to the people who were doing it.

Design & Technical Graphics

This is a Junior Certificate subject of skill and precision. It teaches neatness and accuracy in drawing and allows students to gain a solid working understanding of the vast array of visual information in this increasingly technological world of ours. The course provides a unique range of skills and techniques at junior cycle and is a foundation course for senior cycle Design and Communication Graphics (DCG). The course will also act as a contributing discipline to all technology based subjects and to any subject which uses graphics and/or cognitive functions such as holistic reasoning and of TG! There is a large emphasis on the development of problem solving and reasoning skills which greatly help with the recently introduced project maths course.

Design & Communication Graphics

This is a relatively new Leaving Certificate subject which was introduced in September 2007 to replace Technical Drawing. This course will prove extremely beneficial to students contemplating a career in architecture, design or engineering. It follows on from Technical Graphics at Junior Certificate level. It is important THAT Technical Graphics has been studied before attempting the course.. As the name implies, DCG contains a design element as well as showing the student how to use graphics or drawing as a means of communicating ideas. In addition to completing work using traditional pencil and paper techniques, lots of work is also done on computer using Solidworks, a CAD software. This new course is assessed by a 3 hour exam at the end of 6th year and also on a design project which will entail approximately 40 hours of in-class time during 6th year which is awarded 40% of the marks at higher level.

Further information can be obtained on www.t4.ie/design_core.htm

Q. What is Technical Graphics?

Technical Graphics is one of the technology subjects offered at junior cycle.In Technical Graphics you will learn how to represent 3-D objects on paper.You will develop problem solving and creative thinking skills through the solution of graphical problems.

Q. What will I learn in Technical Graphics?

Some of the things you will learn include:

• how to produce drawings using drawing equipment,freehand sketches and computers
• how to read and interpret drawings and diagrams
• how graphics relate to the design and manufacture of products.

Q. Will Technical Graphics have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

Yes,Technical Graphics will be very helpful in the study of Mathematics as the problem solving and geometry are very useful and Technology as this subjects require you to make drawings of the pieces you will be making.

What is the Technical Graphics Junior Certificate exam like?

You will sit a three hour examination paper. It is made up two sections:

• short answer questions which you complete on the sheet provided and longer questions which require more detailed answers.The longer questions allow you to show, in greater detail,the drawing and problem solving skills you have learned.​
• You can take the exam at Higher or at Ordinary level.When the time comes to decide, your teacher will help you choose the level that suits you best

Q. How will Technical Graphics be useful to me?

Technical Graphics helps you to think in a more logical and creative way.You will be able to communicate information using diagrams and sketches. Your Mathematical skills will be developed and improved. You will have learned how to present information in a neat and organised fashion.This subject will be of use to you if you want to progress into career areas such as architecture, all engineering codes, product design, fashion design and quantity surveying.

Q. What happens to Technical Graphics after the Junior Certificate?

Technical Graphics is followed on by Design and Communication Graphics for the Leaving Certificate.
In this subject:

• there will be a greater emphasis on graphics and the use of CAD (computer aided design)in creating drawings.
• the geometry that you have learned in Junior Certificate will be further developed.

Q. Will I have the opportunity to see if I like Technical Graphics before choosing it?

Yes. Here at St Mary's we offer a sampling programme, during the first school year to all 1st Year students. During this programme the student will get the opportunity to try all of the optional subjects offered, including Technical Graphics. It is only after this period that the student will choose what she will study for her Junior Certificate.

* Source NCCA website.