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)

 

 

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)

 

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)

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Cut, lay and fix materials

Introduction to basic blockwork

Advanced joinery – fitting different types of ironmongery

ASDAN Module 4 – Painting and Decorative Finishing (Theory)

 

 

 

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)

 

 

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 

Career Area  How this subject helps  Pathway 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Carpenter & joiner

 

Tiler
Plasterer

 

Painter and Decorator
Foreman

 

 

Site manager
Self- employed builder

 

Architect
 

Construction firm manager

 

 

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.  

 

 

 

Introduction to Carpentry and Joinery

Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery

Introduction to Tiling

Level 1 Tiling

Introduction to Plastering

Level 1 Plastering

Introduction to Painting and Decorating

Level 1 Painting and Decorating

 

College diploma leading on to higher level qualifications
Trade qualification, time served apprenticeship, combined with work experience including site work
Trade qualification, time served apprenticeship, combined with work experience
College diploma leading on to higher level qualifications, Degree in Architecture
Trade or relevant construction qualification, combined with work experience

OFSTED

By visiting OFSTED, parents / carers can view our latest OFSTED reports as well as historic reports.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

At Chadwick, we seek to provide opportunities for all our students to develop resilience and positive mental health.
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REVISION MATERIALS

We’ve provided links to a number of external resources that can help both KS3 and KS4 pupils with revision.
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POLICIES

The purpose of our policies is to provide a simple, practical framework for staff, learners and parents / carers.
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