Materials Technology Metal is a technology-based subject that aims to develop students’ technical skills and knowledge in the context of working with Metal and Plastic. The subject has three elements. In their Junior Certificate year, students make a project to a prescribed drawing. A separate practical exam at the end of the year tests the students’ skills at manufacturing a component from a detailed working drawing within a three-hour timeframe. In the theory component of the course students study such topics as design, materials shaping processes, machining and computer controlled machining, electronics and mechanisms. An added feature of the subject this year is that students get to keep the project which they manufacture for their Junior Certificate.

In Coachford College, students spend approximately 75% of their class time on practical work and 25% on theory, reflecting the allocation of marks in the Junior Certificate examination. Students make lots of interesting projects such as a buggy, helicopter, buzz-off game, rocket, wind-chime and model aeroplane. Students generally proceed to choosing Engineering when they progress to senior cycle.