Subject Leader:  Mr Dave Eluk

• Junior Cycle: Graphics 

• Transition Year: Solidworks (CAD)

• Leaving Certficate: Design and Communication Graphics (DCG)

The Graphics, Solidworks (CAD) and DCG courses are set up in a way to help nurture the students' spatial awareness, problem solving ability 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.

At the end of the course students will be able to portray their ideas neatly in well-proportioned sketches which are accurately dimensioned.

During the course they will also learn how to use 3D parametric modelling software. This is a type of CAD (computer aided design) software where students will be making 3D computer models that are visually stunning as well as extremely accurate. Many students find this the best part of their school work.

Graphics

This is a Junior Cycle subject of skill and precision which was introduced in September 2019 to replace Technical Graphics. 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 level 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. This course is assessed by CBA, a two-hour exam at the end of Third Year and also by a Student Graphics Project which will be completed in the Autumn of Third Year.

Solidworks (CAD)

Computer-Aided Design is taught in Transition Year. This is precision drawing on computer as used in many professions such as architecture, engineering, product and game design.

Design & Communication Graphics

This Leaving Certificate subject was introduced in September 2007 to replace Technical Drawing. A revised specification for Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics will be introduced in schools from September 2027. This course will prove extremely beneficial to students contemplating a career in architecture, engineering, product and game design. It follows on from Graphics at Junior Cycle.  It is beneficial if 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 done on computer using Solidworks, a CAD software programme. This course is assessed by a three-hour exam at the end of Sixth Year and also by a Student Assignment (project) which will entail approximately 40 hours of in-class time during Sixth Year.

Further information can be obtained on https://ncca.ie/en/senior-cycle/curriculum-developments/design-and-communication-graphics/

Here are some examples of our students' work, which achieved Grade A or H1 at Leaving Certificate Higher Level: