Constructing in the Build Environment (Level 2)
An EDUQAS qualification in Constructing the Built Environment is a great decision. The qualification will prepare students for a career in the Construction sector. Students will be introduced to a variety of trades that are aspects of the industry.
Students will explore the skills of bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, painting, tiling, and key topics such as sustainability. It will also build their confidence in the use of Mathematics that is needed in a Construction career.
HOW STUDENTS WILL STUDY
Students will learn a wide range of skills and knowledge enabling them to be independent learners in order to complete the internally assessed elements of the course.
This will require the use of a range of tools including hand tools, power tools and workshop machinery.
The practical elements cover brickwork and blockwork, carpentry and joinery, tiling and painting.
DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES
Teachers have a very wide range of experience in education and working directly in the Construction industry. This enables them to relate all topics to ‘real world’ situations.
Highfields School has a purpose built construction centre and workshops are equipped with both traditional and up to date equipment and machinery that would be used on real construction sites and workshops.
HOW STUDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED
Internal assessments are marked by the teacher in line with EDUQAS assessment criteria and moderated by the exam board. Subject knowledge is tested at regular intervals throughout the course. Exam preparation and skill development are important parts of Year 10 with examinations and practical assessments taking place in year 11. Students study 2 units of work, 1 of which is an externally assessed exam and the other is a series of internally assessed projects which focus on practical skills.
The 2 units are individually assessed and awarded a grade. These are then totalled to give the students a final grade for the course. Unit 1 is the externally assessed unit, and is worth 40%, unit 3 is the internally assessed unit, and is worth 60% of the final grade.
PROGRESSION ROUTES
This qualification provides opportunities for learners to progress to either academic or more specialised vocational pathways. This could include becoming a bricklayer, carpenter, construction management roles, surveyors and architects. The wide range of problem solving transferable skills that students will learn provides an excellent foundation for all vocational courses.
More info:
Head of Department:
Mr J Beckett - Head of Design & Technology jbeckett@hswv.co.uk
Student Quote
‘Following a vocational construction course was really enjoyable. It gave me the chance to look at several skills that are used in construction and can be used in other areas of work. After completing the course, I had the chance to go to college or follow an apprenticeship. I have now completed my first year with Wolverhampton Homes as an apprentice plumber.’