WESLEY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Construction Studies
Introduction
Construction Studies is the study of buildings and how they are designed and built. The course ranges from designing buildings, planning applications, impact of buildings on the environment, site selection, foundations, construction methods and material selection to heating, lighting, electrical installation, energy saving and interior design.
The course has a practical element, a project, and a final exam. The practical element comprises practical woodwork skills essential in the construction of a house. The project is a study by the student of any aspect of the course. It can range from furniture making, construction of buildings details to geothermal heating, architecture and interior design.
It is not necessary to have studied Technical Graphics /Technology /Materials Technology at Junior Certificate in order to take up this subject at Senior Certificate. This subject is offered at Ordinary and Higher Level.
Assessment
| Written exam | 50% |
| Practical exam (Completed by May in final year) | 25% |
| Project work (Completed by March in final year) | 25% |
5th Year
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
| Introduction to construction | How to design a house | Stairs construction and design |
| Workshop safety | Structures in buildings | Sound and noise in buildings |
| Orthographic drawing – elevations and plans | Project research methods | Acoustics |
| How to buy a house | Condensation in buildings | Pupil’s own project work |
| Site acquisition | Fireplaces | Energy saving in houses |
| Development plans and planning permission | Sewage treatment | Practical woodwork |
| Introduction to basic woodwork | Project building | Roof design |
| Site investigation environmental concerns | Vertical section drawing – roof detail | Vertical section drawing – window detail |
| Foundation types | House design and special needs | Heating systems |
| Section drawing – wall detail | Exam techniques | |
| Selection of building materials Concrete making | ||
| Cavity walls and floor types | ||
| Introduction to electricity | ||
| Water supply | ||
| Calculation of a u-value | ||
| Project work and planning | ||
| Wall types |
6th Year
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
| Project selection | Acoustics in buildings | Woodwork skills |
| U-value calculations | House design and sound principles | Vertical section drawings |
| Drawing house plans | Room design | House design and room design |
| Woodwork skills | Project making | U-value calculation |
| Water systems | Project experiments | Building and the environment |
| Heating systems | Project writing and presentation | Planning issues and high vs low density development |
| Electricity installation | Woodwork skills | Acoustics and sound damping construction |
| Attic conversions | Exam techniques | Exam techniques |
| House extensions | ||
| Planning matters | ||
| Passive houses | ||
| Start project | ||
| Special needs design | ||
| Flat roof design | ||
| Energy awareness |
Useful Links
https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Senior-cycle/Senior-Cycle-Subjects/Construction-Studies/