Construction
Departmental Staff
- Head of Department: Mr C.Byrne
- Ms B.Breen
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Curriculum
_GCSE Construction (Years 11 & 12)
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, which involves house design.
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
- Sustainable development
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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:
- 1. Timber
- 2. Brickwork
- 3. Plaster
- 4. 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.
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Above is a photo of a finished project that a GCSE student created.
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Controlled Assessment
You will produce a portfolio of work under controlled conditions. Your teacher assesses the portfolio and we moderate it.
Key Features
Construction at GCSE provides students with a broad background, core knowledge and understanding of the construction industry it also
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- 1. Encourages students to develop craft, CAD and technical skills.
- 2. 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.
- 3. Helps to raise levels of achievement among students at Levels 1 & 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.
- 4. Helps students to make informed choices about their careers and how they will progress.
- 5. Encourages students to develop and practice the key transferable skills and to have a positive attitude towards sustainable construction techniques.
A Level Construction ( Years 13 & 14)
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There are two options available at A Level in Construction:
- BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Construction (Equivalent to one A Level)
- BTEC Diploma in Construction (Equivalent to two A Levels)
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BTEC Diploma in Construction:
A BTEC Diploma in Construction is 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 undergraduate degree qualifications and professional occupation in Construction and the Built Environment. Past students have gone on to study degree courses such as:
- 1. Quantity Surveying
- 2. Construction Management
- 3. Architecture
- 4. Building Surveying
- 5. Building Technology
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A BTEC Diploma in Construction is also designed to:
- 1. 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.
- 2. 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.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Focus on the practical application of knowledge and the development of the work-related skills required for employment within the construction industry.
The six-unit BTEC Subsidiary 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. It is seen and more recently recognised by leading universities and colleges as an equivalent qualification to A-Level, with recognised UCAS points awards counted towards entry.
Subsidiary Diploma: 6 Units = 1 A Level Equivalant
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Year 13
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Unit 1 – Health, Safety and Welfare
Unit 3 – Mathematics in Construction
Unit 4 – Construction Science and Materials
Year 14
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Unit 2 – Sustainable Construction
Unit 5 – Construction Technology & Design
Unit 6 – Building Technology in Construction
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The 12-unit BTEC Diploma 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. ( 2 A Levels, which are counted by universities and colleges as UCAS points towards entry)
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.
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Diploma: 12 Units = 2 A-Level Equivalants
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Year 13
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Unit 1 – Health, Safety and Welfare
Unit 3 – Mathematics in Construction
Unit 4 – Construction Science and Materials
Unit 7 – Project Management in Construction
Unit 18 – Construction aided drafting and design for Construction
Unit 54 – ICT in Construction and the Built Environment
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Year 14
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Unit 2 – Suitable Construction
Unit 5 – Construction Technology & Design in the Built Environment
Unit 6 – Building Technology in Construction
Unit 8 – Graphical Detailing in Construction
Unit 13 – Understanding of science for the provision of human comfort in buildings
Unit 17 – Building regulations and control in construction
