Junior Cycle Engineering is examined at Common level and consists of two components: a coursework project and a written examination. The coursework project is worth 280 marks (70%) and the written examination is worth 120 marks (30%).

The adjusted assessment arrangements for the 2022 examinations stated that, for Junior Cycle Engineering: “The ‘Design Element’ of the Coursework will not have to be completed and presented for 2022.”

Some good practice observed in the written examination

The following good practices were observed with varying degrees of frequency in the material presented by candidates for the 2022 examinations. Where they occurred, they assisted candidates in scoring well.

• The vast majority of candidates attempted all questions and many candidates demonstrated good levels of knowledge and preparedness.

• Many candidates showed a detailed understanding of learning outcome 1.2 demonstrate a range of manufacturing processes in their comprehensive answers to Q2(e)(iii), Q2(a) (ii)&(iii), Q4(b), Q4(c)(iv). The majority of candidates were also successful, in Q4(e)(iii), with regard to learning outcome 3 recognise and adhere to health and safety standards.
• In terms of learning outcome 1 explain the operation of basic mechatronic systems in Q1d (i)(ii), candidates were asked about the operation of the solenoid used in the operation of their coursework project and many showed a good awareness and understanding and linked their answer directly to their coursework experience.
• Many candidates’ responses, to Q1(a), Q2(b)(i) & (iii), Q2(f) and Q3c(ii) relating to learning outcome 1.6 engage with the various engineering disciplines by relating them to everyday applications, demonstrated a very good understanding of the impact of engineering and technology on everyday living and on the
• Learning outcomes, 1.4 understand the properties associated with a range of engineered materials and 7 apply their knowledge of the properties associated with a range of engineering materials, were extensively examined throughout the written examination due to the vast range of engineering materials available. Candidates on the whole demonstrated very good levels of knowledge and preparedness in this regard.

Advice on engaging with the written examination

The following advice will assist with ensuring that candidates demonstrate their levels of

achievement to full e?ect when engaging with the written examination.

• Candidates should read the full examination paper at the start of the examination, before attempting any questions, and use the full allocation of time for the
• Candidates should make sure to complete the paper as they must attempt all questions. Even an incorrect answer can sometimes attract some marks, whereas an unattempted question clearly cannot.
• Teachers should help candidates to understand the meaning of the ‘command words’ used on the examination paper. For example, candidates need to provide detailed answers in response to question cues such as ‘describe’ or ‘explain’, which require more development than instructions like ‘state’ or ‘name’.
• Teachers should help candidates to develop their skills and understanding around learning outcome 1.11 create sketches, models and working drawings. Examiners noted that the standard of drawing/sketching was poor in many cases.
• Candidates should be advised to practice using freehand sketching and drawing line diagrams where possible to support answering, and should be aware of the importance and e?ectiveness of well-proportioned labelled diagrams and sketches to support both design and written responses.
• Teachers should pay adequate attention to developing candidate’s knowledge around learning outcome 2 investigate relationships between inputs, processes and outputs for basic control systems, as some candidates were unsuccessful in displaying a knowledge of basic digital electronics, logic gates, their symbols and associated truth tables as examined in Q3(b).

Some good practice observed in the coursework

The following good practices were observed with varying degrees of frequency in the material presented by candidates for the 2022 examinations. Where they occurred, they assisted candidates in scoring well.

• In the project, most candidates demonstrated a high level of understanding and application of learning outcomes 8, manufacture a product from a working drawing and 1.12 interpret working drawings are central to the coursework element in this subject.
• Many candidates demonstrated the required high levels of manufacturing precision, accuracy and ?nish showing their knowledge and understanding of both learning outcomes 1.9 apply suitable manufacturing processes to engineer a product and 1.10 demonstrate high-quality work, to include accuracy and surface ?nish. Some were exceptional in this area.

• With regard to learning outcome 1.7 develop engineered solutions to various challenges, in manufacturing the project, many successful candidates overcame the various engineering challenges involved, from basic marking out techniques required for the base through to more challenging marking out techniques required for the track.

Advice on engaging with the coursework

The following advice will assist with ensuring that candidates demonstrate their levels of

achievement to full e?ect when completing and reporting on their coursework.

• Candidates should note that their teachers’ experience and knowledge are invaluable. Consequently, they should consult with their teachers and heed their advice when selecting appropriate techniques and approaches to manufacturing the
• Teachers should ensure that candidates take frequent opportunities to engage with design challenges over the years of study leading to the examination. Each such opportunity should be used to research a technology-based project and communicate this technological information to classmates and the teacher through discussion, presentation, or in a design folio.
• Teachers should ensure that project-management techniques are addressed prior to commencing the project in order to set appropriate targets and make optimal use of the time spent on project work.
• Candidates should pay adequate attention to both the mechanical and the electrical functioning of the ?nished project.
• Candidates should develop an appreciation for and strive to demonstrate high standards of accuracy and quality of ?nish during the manufacture of simple operational mechanisms based on the interpretation of working drawings.
• Candidates should develop a high level of understanding and application of learning outcomes 2.8, manufacture a product from a working drawing and 1.12 interpret working drawings and be aware that these are central to the coursework element in this subject.
• Candidates should watch (a number of times) the video issued by the SEC to accompany the project coursework brief before starting to make the They should subsequently use it as a reference guide throughout the process.
• Candidates should be given the opportunity to gain maximum exposure in a practical setting to develop and practice both manipulative practical skills and manufacturing skills using a range of appropriate materials, processes, equipment and resources.
• Candidates should have a good knowledge and awareness of issues relating to health and safety.

• Candidates are required to submit authentic coursework, duly validated by the class teacher and school authorities. All coursework must be the candidate’s own individual work completed in school under the supervision of their teacher.