Construction Skills
Curriculum Intent
The UK Construction industry was valued at £192 billion in 2022 and is projected to increase by a further 3.5% between 2023 and 2032. There were 2.66 million people employed in the construction in 2022 and there is still a wide range of construction jobs available in the UK. The UK is growing in terms of infrastructure and therefore construction jobs are still in high demand. These jobs require highly skilled and knowledgeable tradespeople, and within our construction department, pupils have a great opportunity to develop practical skills 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 basic hand tools Introduction to basic wood joints – Rabbet, Mitre, Cross-halving, Half lap, Butt and Dowel joint Carpentry projects – Plate Stand (Initial practical assessment) Storage box ASDAN Module 1 – General Construction Operations (Theory)
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Handling and Storing Components (Theory)
Introduction to basic concreting -mixing concrete and mortar by hand Introduction to basic brickwork – small wall including one return Wall tiling (continuation on from basic 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 Erecting structural timber (External roof framework) 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
Fixing plasterboard Plastering Basic joinery – cutting and fixing profiles- skirting and architraves Carpentry project – Tiled Coffee table, Stool, Gauge Rod Introduction to basic tiling ASDAN Module 2 – Bricklaying (Theory)
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Cut, lay and fix materials Introduction to basic blockwork Advanced joinery – fitting different types of ironmongery ASDAN Module 4 – Painting and Decorative Finishing (Theory)
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Fixing components (Theory)
Fixing components to different surfaces Applying decorative finishes to different surfaces Advanced Painting and wallpapering – cutting in, matching patterns Using different fixings ASDAN Module 6 – Careers in the Construction Sector (Theory)
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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 onto a Level 1 diploma course at college in a trade of their choice. With strong links to Lancaster and Morecambe College and Kendal College opportunities to progress further 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 is 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 main areas of construction, looking at case scenarios to answer questions or find solutions and list action plans to real time construction challenges. 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.
Curriculum Development
Through the site manager, pupils are now able to apply their skills learnt to real life construction tasks around school, such as fixing and fitting new door locks, building shelving units or replacing damaged fittings. This gives them the chance to work to a real job sheet and complete a task to a realistic time scale. Also, in the Spring of 2024, work will start on a new bike storage shed which will allow pupils to apply their carpentry and joinery skills whilst helping build a timber framed roof as part of the 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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