Construction Skills
Curriculum Intent
New work in the UK Construction industry in 2024 was valued at a record £139 million and is projected to increase by a further 5% – 8% between 2025 and 2026. As of the third quarter of 2024, there were 2.06 million people employed in the construction sector. Construction vacancies are still in high demand to try a meet the growth of the industry over the next few years and these jobs require highly skilled and knowledgeable people. Within our construction department, pupils have a great opportunity to develop practical multiskills and build knowledge in areas such as, Health and safety in Construction, Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Painting and Decorating, Tiling, and working with power tools.
Curriculum Map
| HT1 | HT3 | HT5 |
| Introduction to Health and safety in Construction (Theory)
Units: Hazards and Risks, Communicating Health & Safety, Personal and Collective Measures, Responsibilities, Hygiene Introduction to using basic hand tools Introduction to basic wood joints – Rabbet, Mitre, Cross-halving, Half lap, Butt and Dowel joint Carpentry projects – Cross Halving Joint (Initial practical assessment) Storage box ASDAN Module 1 – General Construction Operations (Theory) Initial Skills Checklist
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Handling and Storing Components (Theory)
Introduction to basic concreting -mixing concrete and mortar by hand to make a small base Introduction to basic brickwork – Pyramid / small wall including one return Wall tiling (continuation on from basic table tiling) Introduction to basic wall papering – lining paper Carpentry project – Shelf wall unit, ASDAN Module 3 – Carpentry and Joinery (Theory)
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Mixing materials (Theory)
Brickwork and blockwork continued Intro to structural timber (framing) Carpentry project 3 – Drawer unit, Chair ASDAN Module 5 – Health and Safety in the Construction Sector (Theory)
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| HT2 | HT4 | HT6 |
| Basic wood joints continued: Bridle, Dovetail and Mortice & Tenon joints
Handling , cutting and fixing plasterboard Basic joinery – cutting and fixing profiles- skirting and architraves Carpentry project – Tiled Coffee table, Stool, Gauge Rod Introduction to basic tiling (Coffee table top) ASDAN Module 2 – Bricklaying (Theory)
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Cutting, laying and fixing materials
Introduction to basic blockwork Advanced joinery – Chiselling out for mortice lock and fitting to door with keep plate ASDAN Module 4 – Painting and Decorative Finishing (Theory)
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Fixing components (Theory)
Fixing components to different surfaces including: electrical dry installation,e.g., sockets and wiring Fixing to concrete and brick using different fixings Applying decorative finishes to different surfaces Advanced Painting and wallpapering – cutting in, matching patterns ASDAN Module 6 – Careers in the Construction Sector (Theory) YR11 only – Unit Award Scheme. Construction and Health and Safety Units (Practical and Thoery)
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Curriculum Justification
The Chadwick multi-skills construction programme provides the first step from which pupils can build on the skills and knowledge they’ve developed to enable them to progress further within in a trade of their choice. With strong links to Lancaster and Morecambe College and Kendal College course opportunities at different levels are widely available.
The construction curriculum follows a varied programme covering the following key areas: Unit 1: Health and Safety in Construction (Induction), Unit 2: Handling and Storing Materials, Unit 3: Mixing Construction Materials, Unit 4: Cut, Lay and Fix Construction Materials, Unit 5: Fix Construction Materials, Unit 6: Applying finishing materials. All units consist of both theory and practical sessions, allowing pupils to develop multi-skills in a progressive and structured way. Pupils are assessed on what they have learned through completing unit knowledge tests and also practical skills assessments.
Reading and Vocabulary
Reading and understanding information and learning specific vocabulary are an integral part of any subject develop. Pupils on the multi-skills construction programme develop their understanding and identification of key construction words and terminology from the very start. They read and learn about the key areas of construction, looking at case scenarios to answer questions or find solutions, listing action plans to real time construction situations. They also work independently to further build their vocabulary around naming tools, materials and identifying skills and processes.
In addition to the multi-skills construction programme, pupils complete an ASDAN Construction Vocational Taster Certificate which covers all different aspects of the construction industry, further developing their knowledge and understanding of the industry. Also, during Year 11, pupils can compelete a number of AQA Unit Award Scheme units based on all areas of constructuion.
Curriculum Development
Working along side the school site manager pupils have the opportunity to apply their developed skills to real life construction tasks around the school. Tasks include: fixing and fitting new door locks, building shelving units, replacing damaged fittings and carrying out general maintenance. This gives pupils the chance to work to a real job sheet and complete a task to a realistic time scale. Additionally, in 2025, work will start on a new bike storage shed and brickwork shed extension in the construction area. This will allow pupils to apply their carpentry and joinery skills learnt and be invloved in a great school construction project.
Careers relevant to this subject
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To gain a base level entry into the construction industry to pursue a trade or profession, you will need to demonstrate a competent level of skill, knowledge and understanding in your chosen field. |
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