Design & Communication Graphics

The modern languages you can learn for Junior Certificate are French, German, Italian and Spanish. Depending on your school, you can choose one or more of these subjects. In learning a modern language, you will begin to understand what you read and hear, and to talk and write in the language.This subject develops the ability to comprehend and problem solving and creative thinking skills are developed through the analysis and solution of both 2- and 3-dimensional graphics. Graphics and design are communicated using freehand sketching skills, traditional draughting equipment and CAD.

Why Study DCG?

Design and Communication Graphics (DCG) helps to further students’ cognitive and practical skills with modules like graphic communication, problem solving, spatial visualisation, design capabilities, computer graphics and much more.

What kind of Student would DCG suit?

• Students who have taken Technical Graphics to Junior Certificate level
• Students you have a keen interest in further studies in practical areas of engineering and construction or apprenticeships which include the study of technical drawings

Course Overview

Design and Communication Graphics is a combination of technical drawing and computer graphics. It is examined in two parts:

• Drawing Exam (60%)
• Project CD and Portfolio (40%)

Drawing Exam

The drawing exam for this subject is held in June and tests the student’s knowledge of technical drawing topics. The paper is comprised of three parts;

• Section A: Short Question section, where students must answer 3 out of four 4 questions based on the core topics
• Section B: Long Question section, where students must answer 2 out of 3 questions based on the core topics.
• Section C: Students answer 2 questions from the applied graphics section which they have chosen during the year

Project CD and Portfolio

The Design and Communications Project is completed in school hours using the SolidWorks software in the T4 lab. This project requires the students to analyse a particular product (i.e. mobile phone) for its design and functionality and appearance. They then produce a SolidWorks 3D model of the chosen product on computer and then design and model their own version of the product. All printouts from the software are used to form the portfolio and a backup CD with all electronic files is also submitted for examination. This project begins in October once the project briefs are published and must be completed by the end of January. This project is worth 40%.

What the student requires during the year

• Drawing Equipment – Students must always have 30/60 and 45 degree sets squares, compass, protractor and appropriate pencils
• Exam Papers – Exam Papers are used for exam practice and revision
• Project Product – once the exam brief is published the product they are modelling on computer must be brought in to school. Over the previous year’s this has been an aftershave/perfume bottle, remote control, I-pod docking station, computer games controller.

Career Possibilities

DCG is a core element of many 3rd level options including Engineering, Construction and Architecture and knowledge of this subject will greatly enhance a student’s ability in any 3rd level engineering based programme. All apprenticeships include the study of detailed technical drawings.

Other careers include:

• Toolmaker
• Engineering Technicians
• Carpentry
• Aircraft Technicians