Metalwork is one of the technology subjects offered at junior cycle. It is an activity-based course focusing on metal, how to work with it and how to assemble different parts. Other materials such as plastics and wood are also investigated and used in project work. You will be working with basic electronic components too.

What will I learn in Metalwork?
Some of the things you will learn
include:
• how to read and follow a technical drawing.
• skills in shaping, cutting and joining materials.
• how to use a wide variety of tools and machines correctly and safely.
• the properties of different metals and how they are made.
• the importance of metal in our everyday lives.
• how to use the internet in your research.

How will I learn Metalwork in school?
Some of the things you may do with your teacher and your classmates are:
• examine the properties of different metals, plastics and wood
• examine simple mechanisms and‘how things work’
• learn how to do freehand sketching
• develop good craft skills using hand tools and machines in a safe way
• learn many different methods of joining and assembling materials
• learn how to apply a variety of decorative finishes to your project work
• learn about basic electronic components and how to construct simple electronic circuits.

What is the Metalwork Junior Certificate exam like?
There are two (or three) parts to the exam:
• Coursework project - there is a project worth 37.5% at Higher level or 75% at Ordinary level.                           
• Written examination -  makes up 25% for both levels
• Practical exam (Higher level only) - this is worth 37.5% of the total marks for Higher level.                                  

Will Metalwork have anything to do with other subjects I will be studying?
Yes. Metalwork covers some of the same topics studied in Materials Technology Wood and also in
Technology. Many of the practical skills learned in Metalwork are similar to those learned in the
other two subjects. If you are taking Technical Graphics it will help you to understand drawings and
diagrams that you will be using in Metalwork.You will also find some of the same topics coming up
in Science and Geography.