The construction sector is vital to any country for the maintenance, improvement and growth of its infrastructure, buildings and engineering stock. A comprehension of the processes involved in the specialised disciplines that drive and administer the industry is relevant for anyone who wishes to work for or be part of this established sector. The course provides learners with a framework of knowledge, understanding and promotion of the applied skills which are essential to this multi-disciplined sector. Studying this qualification will encourage research, investigation and analysis of the various aspects and impacts of different construction disciplines. Students will also explore interrelationships between the different disciplines through collaboration. This will develop transferable skills as well as an understanding of the diverse roles within the construction industry.
In Years 10 and 11 the students follow the EDUQAS Level 1/2 Vocational Award - Construction and the Built Environment specification. This introduces and develops the skills of planning, designing, construction, sustainability and impact on the environment as applied to the construction industry.
The course consists of 2 units:
1. Introduction to the Built Environment
2. Designing the Built Environment
Scheme of Learning
Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment: Written exam - 40% of the qualification
You will be introduced to the principles of the built environment and have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding in identifying, explaining and evaluating different ideas and concepts of the built environment. Explore a range of professional and trade roles Explore some of the different structures and buildings of the built environment.
Unit 2: Designing the Built Environment: NEA – 60% of the exam
Building on the skills, knowledge and understanding you will develop through Unit 1, our Designing the Built Environment unit will offer you the opportunity to interpret and produce drafts, drawings, and models of design plans. Students develop architectural drawing skills (pencil and paper) and software skills using Revit from Autodesk to complete the NEA. Students who want to install the software at home need to apply for a free Autodesk license – click here to apply.
Year 10
Autumn Term 1:
Unit 1: 1.1 The sector
Unit 2: 2.1 Identifying and calculating information, 2.4 Drawing elevations and introduction to Revit
Autumn Term 2:
Unit 1: 1.2 The built environment life cycle
Unit 2: 2.3 Drawing plans, drafting skills and 2.6 drawing two-dimensional (2D Plans)
Spring Term 1:
Unit 1: 1.3 Type of building and structure
Unit 2: 2.5 Using the language of drafting and 2.7 Creating three-dimensional (3D) virtual model and plans
Spring Term 2:
Unit 1: 1.4 Technologies and Materials
Unit 2: 2.2 writing and setting success criteria and 2.8 Evaluating design tasks
Summer Term 1:
Unit 2: Sample assignment brief – Gillsbury Country Park: proposed visitors’ centre
Summer Term 2:
Unit 2: Start Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) internal assessment
Year 11
Autumn Term 1:
Unit 1: 1.5 Building structures and forms
Unit 2: NEA
Autumn Term 2:
Unit 1: 1.6 sustainable construction methods
Unit 2: NEA
Spring Term 1:
Unit 1: 1.7 Trades, employment and careers
Unit 2: Complete (NEA)
Spring Term 2:
Unit 2: 1.8 Health and safety
Summer Term 1: Unit 1 External Assessment