Construction

Construction is studied only at KS4, as an option subject, in a purpose built workshop in our Resilience Building. 

This is a practical and theory-based subject which incorporates an in-depth analysis of the industry (tested by examination) alongside practical skills and assessments of trade-based skills. 

Our Qualification 

We currently follow the EDUQAS Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Construction and the Built Environment (QAN: 603/7015/4) because it focuses on applied learning, i.e. acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in sector or subject contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work. 

Topics 

The EDUQAS Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Construction and the Built Environment covers a wide range of topics.  

Unit 1 This unit introduces learners to the construction sector and the type of professional and trade roles and activity that is undertaken. The learner will explore the different types of buildings and structures that the built environment forms. Sustainability and the impact of the built environment on the local community is explored along with reduction measures that can be employed.  

Areas of Content

• The sector

• The built environment life cycle

• Types of building and structure 

• Technologies and materials

• Building structures and forms

• Sustainable construction methods 

• Trades, employment and careers

• Health and safety 

Assessment 

This qualification is assessed via 3 practical, skills-based, construction tasks (Unit 1 - completed mainly in Year 10) plus an external exam (Unit 3 - which can only be sat in Year 11). This equates to: 

• 60% practical, skills-based, construction tasks - 30 hours (in total) - 120 marks available. 

• 40% externally-marked exam - 90 minutes (on-screen) - 80 marks available. 

Beyond the Classroom 

The built environment sector is a very diverse sector covering an extremely wide range of occupations from handyman services to major infrastructure projects. 

According to the UK Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities (2007), the construction industry, including building services occupations, involves general and allied construction activities for buildings and civil engineering works. In addition to the creation of building and structures, these works also include repairing and renovating. 

The sector is expansive, comprising 10% of the UK economy. However, only a third of employers in the construction sector believe that there is a talent pool sufficient to meet the industry’s needs. This is despite construction being considered an increasingly attractive industry to young people, and despite there being more and more young people who are actively considering a career in construction. 

There are many employment opportunities in the construction industry and the demand for workers is not currently being met; in 2018, more than two fifths of employers said that they had tried to recruit skilled workers and of those, nearly half had difficulties filling the positions. The wide and diverse range of careers in construction include manual and professional occupations, and many require further education and training either through apprenticeships or further and higher education.