Wood Technology

Wood Technology is one of the technology subjects offered at junior cycle. In Wood Technology you will learn to design small projects and the skills required to use tools and equipment to make your designs. You will work mainly with wood but also with other materials. Wood Technology is a subject that will allow students to explore and learn about a key natural resource that nature has provided. Trees and wooden material have a unique relationship with nature and humankind. The sustainable use and management of this natural resource is important as the world faces the challenges of the 21st century.

What will I learn in Wood Technology?

Some of the things you will learn include:

  • How to design a project given a brief description of what you need to make
  • How to use the internet for research purposes
  • How to use freehand sketching to communicate your design ideas
  • How to prepare a design drawing/plan of a project you design
  • How to safely use a range of hand tools and power tools in producing your design.
  • The benefits of wood as a natural, sustainable resource, benefits of trees and woodland for humans, animals, insets and the environment.

Is Wood Technology anything like what I did in primary school?

You will build upon the drawing work you did in Visual Arts in primary school. You may already have learned about wood as a material and the environment as part of your work in SESE (Science and Geography). The skills you developed in mathematics and Science will also be very helpful in Wood Technology.

Will Wood Technology have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?

Yes. Wood Technology will be useful to you in the study of any of the other three technology subjects, Technical Graphics, Metalwork and Technology. Many of the skills involved in this subject are also used in the other subjects. Wood Technology is also related to some of the topics covered in Science and Visual Art.

Possible Career Opportunities:

Quantity Surveying, Furniture Design, Architecture, Building Management, Joinery and Environmental Science.

What is the Junior Cycle Wood Technology assessment like?

The assessment of Wood Technology for the purposes of the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) will comprise of:

  • Two Classroom-Based Assessments; Wood science in our environment and Student self-analysis and evaluation
  • Project (70%) / Final examination (30%)