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Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Complete topic map
Every topic recorded for this subject in the curriculum is reproduced below in its full hierarchy. The descriptions reflect the mapped scope without implying additional exam rules.
Orthographic projection (first and third angle), auxiliary views, sectioning, and pictorial projection through isometric, axonometric and perspective drawing to represent three-dimensional objects in two dimensions.
Construction of plane figures, loci, and circles in contact with points, lines and curves, supported by the underlying theorems and axioms.
The ellipse, parabola and hyperbola defined both as plane loci and as true sections of a cone, including tangents, focal points, directrix, eccentricity and the focal-sphere method.
Spatial relationships, projections and true shapes of inclined and oblique planes, skew lines, dihedral angles and the sectioning of solids by oblique planes.
Finding the intersections of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, cones and spheres and developing or enveloping the surfaces of right and oblique solids and their composites.
The graphics code in historical context, design strategies, generating and interpreting design briefs, ideas sketching, design problem solving, appraisal and the rudiments of good design.
Producing working and assembly drawings to international conventions using symbols, dimensioning, layout, balloon referencing, exploded views and schematic diagrams.
Using observation and sketching to represent shape, form, texture, colour, light and shade as an immediate tool for explaining ideas and rendering design solutions.
CAD modelling, editing and parametric modelling to generate presentation, working and exploded drawings, plus file management, image processing and ICT-based presentation of design solutions.
A practical, theme-based design investigation with concept design or modification in which students observe, model and communicate real artefacts using sketching, rendering and compulsory CAD modelling.
Special curves and loci such as involutes, cycloids, spirals and helices together with cam profiles, displacement diagrams, gear profiles and linkage mechanisms (optional, choose two of five).
Natural and manufactured structures including arches, domes, vaults, ruled surfaces, the hyperbolic paraboloid, hyperboloid of revolution and geodesic domes (optional, choose two of five).
Graphic analysis of geological features through contours, profiles, gradients, dip, strike and thickness of strata, outcrops, boreholes and cutting and embankment sections (optional, choose two of five).
Projection and development of intersecting prismatic, cylindrical and conical ducting and of transition pieces connecting circular and rectilinear cross-sections, plus dihedral angles between surfaces (optional, choose two of five).
Interpreting and producing exploded and assembled multipart drawings using sectioning, hatching, dimensioning, joining methods, surface symbols and 3D CAD assembly modelling (optional, choose two of five).
Where this subject applies
These pathways and regions are explicitly connected to the subject in the curriculum.
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
Official sources
The public sources below are referenced directly by this subject or by one of its topics.
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
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Public references
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