Subject Overview
Construction Studies is the study of the construction of buildings and why they are made the way they are. The main focus of the course is on the domestic house but it also ranges from the construction of sports arenas to skyscrapers. It is a practical course in which the student is given the opportunity to achieve 50% of their Leaving Certificate exam result during their Leaving Certificate year in a project and a practical exam. The other 50% is assessed in a written exam during the normal Leaving Certificate exams.
What will you study in class?
• How sound, light and heat effect the design of buildings
• How to install electricity and plumb your home
• How to build an extension
• Calculate a U-value
• How to buy your own house
• How to get planning permission
• How to survey a piece of land for construction
• How to convert your attic
Exams:
There are three assessments in the Leaving Certificate exam:
| Task | % | Time | Example |
| Project | 25% | May | A study of Earthquake Buildings |
| Practical | 25% | May | Materials – cutting, shaping and making a product using wood |
| Written Exam | 50% | June | Answer 5 out of 10 questions |
Careers:
Construction Studies may be valuable in a variety of careers, which might include:
ALL ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
INTERIOR DESIGN
ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING SERVICES
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
TOWN PLANNING
TEACHING
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
Starting Construction Studies in 5th Year:
It is not necessary to have studied Materials Technology at Junior Certificate or CAD or Woodturning in Transition Year in order to take this subject at Leaving Cert level.
