The new Leaving Certificate syllabus in technology is specifically aimed at encouraging more girls to study the subject. Recent research has shown that girls are seriously underrepresented in science, maths and technological subjects at second-level schools.
The draft syllabus, which was circulated for consultation last month, says it is "desirable that every student have an opportunity to experience an education in technology as an important contribution to a broad and balanced education."
It goes on: "It has been a common feature of education systems to restrict access to subjects that have a practical dimension. The increasing pervasiveness of technology makes such restriction unjustifiable. Technological capability enables the student to become an informed citizen, and also to take advantage of present and emergent vocational opportunities.
"The greatest single area of deficit has been in the take-up of technological subjects by females. This syllabus is specifically intended to address this deficit."
It says the "range and type of learning experiences proposed are intended to be attractive to all students, especially those who have traditionally avoided hands-on subjects." The syllabus emphasises that "teaching methodologies should encourage both female and male students to become active participants in their own learning."
The course consists of a common core, which all students must take, and five optional modules, from which each student must select two. The main core elements are: materials and production, communication and graphic media, information technology, manufacturing systems, structures and mechanisms and energy and control.
The optional modules are: electronics, applied control systems, information and communications technology, manufacturing systems and materials technology.
As an example of incentives to girls to study the subject, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment sources point to the spread of materials which will be studied in the materials technology module. These include ceramics, fabrics, composites and polymers, as well as the more traditional metals and wood.
They also point to the importance the syllabus puts on ergonomics, colour and aesthetics in the design of artefacts for project work, and the emphasis on environmental considerations in technological and manufacturing processes.