Curriculum

GCSE

In this course you will gain a comprehensive introduction to the construction industry. You will learn about the main types of construction, related employment and the resources used in the built environment. You will also participate in practical aspects of construction through your Construction Craft Project and the Computer Aided Design unit.

Unit 1: Construction Industry for the 21st Century – You will study topics within the following areas:

• Introduction to the built environment;
• Employment in the construction industry;
• Economic resource considerations;
• Health and safety;
• Construction technology; and
• Sustainable development.

External Assessment

You will sit one written paper lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The paper requires you to answer questions based on pre-release materials.

CCEA sets and marks the exam.

Unit 2: Construction Craft Project – You will carry out a craft project, based on a chosen theme, and prepare a craft project folder.

Depending on the facilities at your centre, you get to choose from:

• Timber;
• Brickwork;
• Plaster; and
• Pipes.

Controlled Assessment

You will carry out one craft project under controlled conditions. You will produce a craft folder and a craft product.

Your teacher assesses the project and we moderate it.

Unit 3: Computer Aided Design in Construction – You will produce a portfolio of work using Computer Aided Design. All your drawings will be based on real life construction situations.

Controlled Assessment

You will produce a portfolio of work under controlled conditions.

Your teacher assesses the portfolio and we moderate it.

Key Features

Provides students with a broad background to, and core knowledge and understanding of, the construction industry

• Encourages students to develop craft, CAD and technical skills
• Encourages a student-centred approach to learning and provides students with the opportunity to apply their developing knowledge in relevant, enjoyable and work-related contexts
• Helps to raise levels of achievement among students at Levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework
• Helps students to make informed choices about their careers and how they will progress
• Encourages students to develop and practise the key transferable skills and to have a positive attitude towards sustainable construction techniques
• This revised specification remains unitised and will have its first assessment in Summer 2010

A Level

There are two options available at A Level for Construction:

National Award in Construction (equivalent to one A Level)

National certificate in Construction (equivlant to two A Levels)

BTEC Nationals in Construction

BTEC National Award, Certificate and Diploma in Construction are designed to equip individuals with the practical skills, knowledge and understanding required for success in current employment and progression to future employment for technical and professional discipline within the construction industry.  The qualifications also enable progression to BTEC Higher Nationals or Under-graduate degree qualifications and professional occupation in Construction and the Built Environment.

These BTEC Nationals in Construction are also designed to:

• Provide education and training specifically for the Construction discipline in the     industry which are directly relevant to the changing needs of employees, employers and the professions.
• Develop in learners a range of knowledge and skills, personal qualities and attitudes which are essential for career development and progression within the construction industry and related sectors.
• Provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills concerning health, safety and welfare, the environment and sustainability, as it impacts on and affects the construction and built environment sector.
• Focus on the practical application of knowledge and the development of the work-related skills required for employment within the construction industry.

BTEC National Award in Construction

The six-unit BTEC National Award in Construction provides a specialist work-related programme of study for 16-19 year olds which covers some of the key knowledge and practical skills required in the sector and also offers a choice of specialist units which may be directed towards a career route the learner wishes to follow.  This qualification can extend a programme of study and provide a vocational emphasis for learners following an AVCE or GCE route or a combination of both.

Year 13

Unit 1 – Health, Safety and Welfare.

Unit 4 – Construction Science and Materials.

Unit 9 – Surveying Processes.

Year 14

Unit 2 – Construction and the Environment.

Unit 3 – Construction Technology and Design.

Unit 7 – Graphical Detailing.

BTEC National Certificate in Construction

The 12-unit BTEC National Certificate in Construction provides a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the sector and also offers different emphasis through the choice of specialist units.  It is broadly equivalent to two GCEs or the full award AVCE.

This qualification offers an engaging programme for 16-19 year old learners who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter, although, at the stage of entry, they may not be sure of the exact discipline they wish to follow.  Such learners may wish to extend their programme through the study of a related GCE or other qualification.  Alternatively their access to suitable work situations may allow learners to achieve an NVQ qualification in the vocational sector or individual NVQ units.

Year 13

Unit 1 – Health, Safety and Welfare.

Unit 4 – Construction Science and Materials.

Unit 5 – Analytical Methods.

Unit 6 – Planning, Organisation and Control of Resources.

Unit 9 – Surveying Processes.

Unit 18 – ICT and CAD.

Year 14

Unit 2 – Construction and the Environment.

Unit 3 - Construction Technology and Design.

Unit 12 - Building Technology.

Unit 7 – Graphical Detailing.

Unit 13 – Environmental Science.

Unit 15 – Building Surveying.