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Leaving Certificate Technology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
Overview
Leaving Certificate Technology (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.
The structured design methodology underpinning the whole subject: interpreting design briefs and themes, developing design specifications, investigating existing solutions, generating and selecting ideas, planning production and presenting work as a portfolio. It is the spine of the design-and-make approach applied across every other area.
Basic principles of project management such as Gantt charts and critical-path analysis, together with quality-management concepts. Covers product life-cycle considerations, reliability and the relationship between cost and quality.
Development of practical manufacturing skills to produce artefacts, including the safe use of hand and power tools. Covers the properties and selection of materials, joining and finishing techniques, and the economical management of resources.
Communicating design ideas through graphic media: projection systems, dimensioned drawings, freehand sketching and three-dimensional representation, modelling and computer graphics. Includes using ICT tools to develop and present design information.
Core ICT capability: the components and specification of a computer system, safe system operation and basic ICT skills. Covers common software applications such as word processing, graphics and spreadsheets, and using computers for research and investigation.
Naturally occurring and manufactured structures, forces and their effects, triangulation, stability and centre of gravity. Mechanisms covered include levers, pulleys, gears and cams.
Energy sources and conservation, fundamental electrical concepts and measurement, and components such as switches and sensors. Includes circuit design and construction and the operation of basic logic gates.
Optional area — an in-depth electronics study covering electrical measurement, circuit and component design, power supplies, motors and PCB production. Covers sensor design and logic circuits with inputs, outputs and counting systems.
Optional area — control and automation: robotic-control principles, servo and stepper motors, analogue-to-digital conversion and programmable devices. Includes pneumatic systems for manufacturing applications.
Optional area, distinct from the core ICT study: computer architecture, data communications, local-area networks, and use of the internet, web and email. Covers multimedia design, image and sound formats and data protection.
Optional area — industrial manufacturing systems and strategies, quality-management tools such as control charts, and project management. Covers concurrent engineering, CAD applications and the design of manufacturing systems.
Optional area — advanced study of materials: classification, properties and testing and material degradation. Covers joining processes, surface treatments, processing methods, environmental considerations and quality assurance in production.
The mandatory student project to a specified thematic brief, integrating the core and chosen options through the design process: analysing and developing the brief, researching and generating solutions, planning materials and processes, and producing an artefact plus an accompanying folder, evaluating the result against the brief.
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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