Integrating Global Citizenship Education (GCE) principles into the subject of Junior Cert Woodwork can provide students with a broader perspective on the ethical, environmental, and global implications of their work. Here are some potential links to GCE in Junior Cert Woodwork:
1. Sustainable Materials and Practices: Emphasize the use of sustainable and ethically sourced materials in woodworking projects. Discuss the global impact of deforestation and the importance of responsible wood sourcing to support global conservation efforts.
2. Environmental Impact: Explore the environmental consequences of woodworking practices, including waste generation, energy consumption, and pollution. Encourage students to consider how their woodworking projects can minimize environmental harm.
3. Ethical Considerations: Engage students in discussions about the ethical use of wood and woodworking techniques. Discuss the importance of respecting cultural traditions related to wood and addressing issues like illegal logging and exploitation of resources.
4. Global Design Influences: Explore the global diversity of woodworking traditions, design aesthetics, and cultural influences. Encourage students to draw inspiration from different cultures and regions when designing and creating their projects.
5. Global Collaboration: Highlight international collaborations and partnerships in woodworking and craftsmanship. Discuss how woodworkers from different parts of the world can collaborate on projects and share their skills and knowledge.
6. Innovation and Technology: Discuss how technology and innovation in woodworking can have global implications. Explore how advancements in woodworking machinery and techniques can influence the industry on a global scale.
7. Resource Management: Teach students about responsible resource management in woodworking. Discuss the importance of conserving wood resources for future generations and the global significance of sustainable forestry practices.
8. Cultural Awareness: Promote cultural awareness by encouraging students to research and incorporate elements of woodworking from various cultures into their projects. Discuss the significance of cultural diversity and heritage preservation.
9. Critical Thinking: Encourage critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyze the global impact of woodworking practices and innovations and their ethical and environmental implications.
10. Community Engagement: Encourage students to consider how woodworking skills can be used to benefit local and global communities. Discuss the potential for woodworking projects to address social issues or support humanitarian efforts.
By incorporating these approaches into the teaching of Junior Cert Woodwork, educators can help students develop a broader perspective on woodworking that encompasses ethical, environmental, and global considerations. This approach not only enhances their woodworking skills but also promotes responsible citizenship and awareness of their role in a global context.
At the conclusion of the Junior Cert Woodwork course, students will have developed proficient woodworking skills and gained a deep appreciation for the artistry, craftsmanship, and ethical considerations inherent in woodworking. They will be inspired to create well-crafted, sustainable, and culturally diverse projects and to understand the global impact of their woodworking choices. Students will emerge with the ability to approach woodworking with creativity, precision, and an awareness of their role as responsible global citizens.
This learning outcome emphasizes the development of both technical woodworking skills and a broader understanding of the cultural, environmental, and ethical dimensions of woodworking. It encourages students to approach their woodworking projects with creativity, precision, and a sense of responsibility in a global context
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES Students learn about and employ the fundamental principles and practices associated with the study of Wood Technology. They learn to work safely and efficiently with equipment and materials and apply principles of craft excellence through design and manufacture. They will investigate the environmental benefits and impacts of using wood as a natural and renewable resource and learn about sustainable practices.
DESIGN THINKING students explore design briefs and their solutions. They use key principles of design and produce sketches, drawings, models/prototypes and artefacts that illustrate their design thinking. Students consider factors such as materials, cost, time resources and skills to produce purposeful, functional, appealing artefacts. They also consider vand investigate how to minimise material use and manage waste.
WOOD SCIENCE AND MATERIALS students explore the natural and physical properties and characteristics of wood. They learn how to use the natural aesthetics and properties of wood to enhance the appearance and function of artefacts. They explore the role of forestation and wood in terms of local/global ecology and sustainability and recognise the importance of considering the impact on the natural environment when sourcing materials.
Two Classroom-Based Assessments:
Wood science in our environment, and Self-analysis and evaluation
Project work you have to complete during the students Junior cert year
Examination in the June of 3rd year