Construction

Years 10-11

BTEC construction LEVEL 1 - 2 First Award.

Introduction and Overview

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Construction and the Built Environment.

Equivalent to one GCSE (Level 2).

Who is the qualification for?

This qualification is a Technical Award equivalent in size to one GCSE. It is aimed at pre-16 students working at level 2 who want to include a study of construction and the built environment in their broader Key Stage 4 curriculum. It has been designed to give students the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of construction and the built environment.

What will the student study as part of this qualification?

This qualification consists of three mandatory units that form the fundamental knowledge, skills and understanding of construction technology and design. One further unit is then chosen (from a choice of seven optional units).

Mandatory units Unit 1: ‘Construction Technology’ (2 hour exam)– In this unit students will interpret and analyse the information given before starting a task, and identify the infrastructure that needs to put in place to run a job efficiently and safely. Students will understand the methods that are used in constructing several different types of foundation and the safety aspects. They will develop a detailed understanding of how walls, floors and roofs are constructed.

Unit 2: ‘Construction and Design’ – in this unit students will develop a broad understanding of the built environment, including the different types of construction projects, and the industry’s contribution to society. Students will examine how client needs can shape building design, and will develop their own design ideas to a given brief.

Unit 3: ‘Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction’ – in this unit students will develop their scientific and mathematical knowledge and apply it in practical construction contexts. They will use scientific principles to understand the performance of construction materials. Optional units The optional units build on the mandatory units to provide students with an opportunity to develop a wider understanding and appreciation of a specific aspect of the construction industry, depending on their interests and motivation.

The optional units are:

Unit 6: Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and Techniques

Unit 7: Exploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and Techniques

Unit 9: Exploring Plumbing Principles and Techniques

Unit 10: Exploring Electrical Principles and Techniques.

These units require students to understand the tools, materials and equipment used, and provide an introduction to the practical skills and safe techniques they will apply in a specific aspect of construction.

What knowledge and skills will the student develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies?

The knowledge and skills outlined above and developed in studying this qualification will aid progression to further vocational study at level 3 and to apprenticeships. Numeracy skills are developed through mandatory and optional units. These include measuring, calculating, estimating, and applying concepts of scale and proportion. The content also contains some scientific concepts, including the effects of forces and the effect of expansion and contraction on construction materials in relevant, work-related contexts. Communication skills are developed through presentations and in discussions and there are opportunities for students to enhance and reinforce their literacy skills through drafting reports using technical, analytical and descriptive writing. These skills are all valuable in supporting progression to level 3 study in any academic or vocational subject.

How to support your child

We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to: