Subject Depts. - Vocational
Metalwork and Engineering
Teacher.
Mr. Brendan Brett B.Ed. Tech. (Metal and Engineering)
This subject is offered to students at both junior and leaving certificate levels. For junior certificate the subject is known as materials technology metal (formerly metalwork). At leaving certificate level the subject is called engineering. A higher or ordinary level course may be taken for each examination.
The following pages give an outline of what each course is about, what a student might expect to be doing each year. How marks are awarded in the state examinations for these subjects is also shown.
The Junior certificate course.
This course is officially referred to as materials technology – metal (formally metalwork.). It is a three-year course comprised of theoretical study and practical workshop classes.
Aims.
- To introduce the pupils to different engineering materials and processes.
- To contribute to the general education and development of pupils.
- To provide an insight into engineering technology at different levels.
- It provides a basis for career decision-making and for further studies.
Objectives of the Junior Cert. Course.
- That the pupils will be able to carry out some of the basic skills used in engineering today.
- That the pupils will develop their cognitive and motor skills and co-ordination through the interpretation of a working drawing and the realisation of a practical project.
- To develop the pupils problem solving skills and promote a sense of creativity in pupils.
- Pupils will gain an insight into what’s involved in production and manufacture of engineering components.
- To develop an awareness for health and safety and the importance of following correct procedures when working in a dangerous environment.
The Junior Cert. course is set out along the following guidelines:
Year 1.
- Introduction to metalwork. - A short course during which pupils get a chance to sample the subject before deciding whither to take it for Junior Cert. or not.
- Introduction to different engineering materials.
- Use of basic hand tools to shape and form pieces.
- The importance of safety procedures whilst working and in the use of machines. (contd.)
- Basic joining and finishing techniques used when working with metals.
Year 2.
- Introduction to the heat treatment of metals-annealing etc.
- Development of turning skills and use of machines.
- Development of marking out skills.
- Further development of practical skills-more complex drawings and projects.
- Introduction to simple electric circuits and electronic components.
- Engineering theory on the production of metals, properties of materials, hand tools, joining of materials, and metal finishes.
Year 3.
- Further development of practical skills-fitting and assembly exercises with emphasis on accuracy and finish.
- Production of a coursework project involving a number of skills and incorporating an element of design.
- Basic C.N.C. operation.
- Further work on theory- metal cutting mechanisms and structures, measurement, the stages in design, c.n.c. Terms, etc.
Assessment.
During year one and year two the teacher will mark the pupils practical work and a grade awarded. Pupil learning is also assessed by observation during practical class. An external examiner assesses year three practical work and marks awarded go towards their junior cert. grade. During years 2 and 3 the pupils are also given a written exercise once a week to assess learning in theory classes. At the end of year three pupils take a written theory paper as part of their junior cert. examination.
This course provides a basic grounding for pupils who wish to study engineering for their leaving certificate.
Leaving Certificate Engineering.
This is a two-year course involving a study of engineering theory and practice. Its main aims are:
- To develop pupils practical resourcefulness, creativity and ingenuity in solving problems of a practical nature.
- To provide the pupils with an insight into engineering technologies and provide a basis for career decision-making and further studies.
- That the pupils will develop their manipulative skills, techniques and resourcefulness through design realisation in projects.
- To develop pupils confidence to take initiative and research and develop ideas and solutions to practical problems.
- That the pupils will show an appreciation of excellence in workmanship and design.
The practical course covers a wide range of topics including health and safety, general bench work, heat treatments, machining and use of C.N.C. machines, fabrication of materials, metal finishing and control systems.
The theory course referred to as “Engineering, materials and technology.” Gives the pupils an insight into many industrial processes and also deals with classification and origin of metals and plastics, heat treatments, testing of materials, joining techniques, corrosion as well as health and safety in an engineering environment. (Contd.)
Assessment.
Throughout the course the pupils learning is assessed by the teacher this is done using the following methods:
- Observation of pupils while working in the workshop.
- Marking and grading of pupils completed projects / assignments.
- Correction of written exercises set each week on topics being taught from the theory course.
Assessment for awarding leaving certificate grades is as follows:
| Higher level | Ordinary level | |
| Design project | 25% | 33.33% |
| Practical exam | 25% | 33.33% |
| Theory paper | 50% | 33.33% |
Engineering is a subject with a strong practical element and it affords pupils the opportunity to achieve marks al leaving certificate for such skills as creativity, ingenuity, and practical ability as well as cognitive skills.
It provides students with the chance to experience a sense of real achievement from their work. It develops their self-confidence and can enhance their self-esteem through their being able to interpret drawings and produce a finished piece or being able to design and make a solution to a given brief.
Home Economics
Our Teachers...
Mrs. Foley
Mrs. Mc Brien
Here are some pictures of our classroom and some of the work we have done to date
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Woodwork
Teachers: Mr. Patrick Kelly, Mr. Paul Toal
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Science - Biology - Physics
Teachers: Mr. Eamon Curran, Mr. Michael Doherty, Mr. David Harding
1. Junior Certificate SCIENCE
The syllabus is presented in three main sections,
which focus on the specific areas of BIOLOGY,
CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS.
DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN ORDINARY AND HIGHER LEVELS:
Much of the syllabus material is common to both
levels. At Higher level a deeper and more analytical
treatment is required. As many students as possible are encouraged to study science at Higher level.
REQUIRED COURSEWORK
Students are required to keep a
record in their laboratory notebooks of these
practical activities, which form one element of the
coursework assessment.
2. SENIOR CYCLE subjects: Physics & Biology
Science education in the senior cycle reflects the changing needs of students and the growing
significance of science for strategic development in
Ireland.
Leaving Certificate science syllabuses are designed to
incorporate the following components:
- science for the enquiring mind, or pure science, to include the principles, procedures and concepts of the subject as well as its cultural and historical aspects
- science for action, or the applications of science and its interface with technology
- science, which is concerned with issues – political, social and economic – of concern to citizens.
The three components are integrated within each science syllabus, with the first component having a 70% weighting. The remaining 30% should be allocated to the other two components in the ratio 3 to 1.
The syllabuses, which are offered at two levels, Higher and Ordinary, have approximately 180 hours of class contact time over a two-year period.
They are practically and experimentally based in their teaching
A. PHYSICS
Areas of study at Higher & Ordinary Level in Physics:
- Mechanics
- Temperature
- Heat
- Waves
- Vibrations and Sound
- Light
- Electricity
- Modern Physics
Higher Level Only:
Option 1: Particle Physics
Option 2: Applied Electricity
B. BIOLOGY
Areas of study at Higher & Ordinary Level in Biology:
Unit One: Biology -The Study of Life
Sub-unit 1.1: The Scientific Method
Sub-unit 1.2: The Characteristics of Life
Sub-unit 1.3: Nutrition
Sub-unit 1.4: General Principles of Ecology
Sub-unit 1.5: A Study of an Ecosystem
Unit Two: The Cell
Sub-unit 2.1: Cell Structure
Sub-unit 2.2: Cell Metabolism
Sub-unit 2.3: Cell Continuity
Sub-unit 2.4: Cell Diversity
Sub-unit 2.5: Genetics
Unit Three: The Organism
Sub-unit 3.1 Diversity of Organisms
Sub-unit 3.2 Organisation and the Vascular Structures
Sub-unit 3.3 Transport and Nutrition
Sub-unit 3.4 Breathing System and Excretion
Sub-unit 3.5 Responses to Stimuli
Sub-unit 3.6 Reproduction and Growth
Art / Music
Art teacher: Mr. M. Meade
Music teacher: Ms. A. Watson
1. ART
Why study art?
Art is not just about the image and the product it’s also about the process involving problem solving, experimentation and communication of thoughts and ideas. Art exists to challenge and be challenged. Art has always had an important role in society. As far back as the hunter gatherer’s paintings in the Altimira Caves in Spain mankind has sought to communicate and express ideas and emotions through imagery. Early forms of writing such as hieroglyphics took the form of pictures to express thoughts. The letters we use today are after all abstract symbols that describe sounds, essentially they are a form of imagery - pictures.
The great societies of human history have sought to demonstrate their greatness through artistic, musical and architectural achievement. Think of Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome, Florence during the Renaissance and major cities today like Berlin, Paris, Dubai and New York. The artefact is the product of the intellectual, the thinking, creative and problem solving mind. Some of the greatest achievements in human history have been in art, design and architecture.
Today art, architecture and design are all around us. They are an integral part of modern society and progression. Almost everything that is made by man is drawn and designed by artists, designers and architects. Literacy is essential in modern society. Art is about communication and visual literacy and the ability to express valid opinions through study and experience will help you become a more aware and open minded person. Remember art exists to encourage discussion and debate. We do not always have to understand art to appreciate and enjoy it. Art is to be experienced.
Art and its history and appreciation can be fun, very interesting and intellectually stimulating so try to be as open to your art experience as possible by keeping an open mind, seeing as much art as you can and finding artists and movements that you like and admire and will influence your own practical work. Many galleries, museums and buildings are free to enter so if you get the chance to see some great painting, sculpture, photography, printing, architecture or design don’t let it pass by.
Art in Lough Allen College
The Junior and Leaving Cycle Art Programs aim to further the development and skills of the young person building on what was started in the primary school system. We hope to extend the quality of their education by improving their skills and competencies through practicing art. A major part of art education is the freedom it affords students to express themselves and learn to respect and tolerate others.
Students are challenged to achieve standards of excellence, to help reach their potential and to develop self-confidence through their artistic achievements. The art department strives to provide a wide range of educational experiences within a supportive and formative environment. Students are encouraged to develop skills through artistic practice that will assist their development in a cross curricular context.
The art curriculum draws on the aesthetic and creative, the ethical, the linguistic, the mathematical, the physical, the scientific and the technological, the social, environmental political and the spiritual domains
Junior Certificate - Art, Craft, Design
2D Studies:
- Painting
- Graphic Design
- Printing
- Drawing Natural and Man made Forms
- Drawing Human Forms
- Calligraphy
3D Studies:
- Modelling
- Sculpture
- Construction
- Pottery
- Packaging
- Puppetry
Support Studies (Introduction to art history and appreciation)
Leaving Certificate - Art (Incl. Craft)
- Still Life Composition
- Imaginative Composition
- Life Sketching
Craftwork:
- Modelling
- Sculpture
- Construction
- Pottery
- Packaging
- Puppetry
- Poster-making
Art History and Appreciation:
- Irish Art
- European Art
- Appreciation
2. MUSIC
SYLLABUS (HIGHER LEVEL and ORDINARY LEVEL)
2.1 PERFORMING
2.1.1 Performing – Ordinary Level and Higher level 2.1.2 Performing requirements
2.1.3 Higher level elective in performing
2.2 COMPOSING
2.2.1 Composing requirements – Ordinary Level and
Higher level
2.2.2 Composing exercises
2.2.3 Higher level elective in performing
2.3 LISTENING
2.3.1 Introduction
2.3.2 Prescribed works
2.3.3 Irish music
2.3.4 Aural skills
2.3.5 Higher level elective in listening – special study topic
