Construction - City & Guilds BTEC

The course name is City & Guilds Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills. This course is delivered in conjunction with StudyXpress Ltd.

Course description:

This is a two year course run by the school in conjunction with StudyXpress Ltd. Based in a specialist facility in Hove, students attend for a whole day each week, developing a range of practical skills related to the construction industry. Topics covered in depth include Carpentry & Joinery, Bricklaying, Health & Safety and Plumbing. Other topics also covered include Plastering and Tiling. The theory elements of the subject are taught through an on-line learning package written by StudyXpress, with tutor access allocated to school staff. Students considering this option need to enjoy practical work and be motivated to work independently.

Course structure:

This course is designed to give students skills, experience and an insight into careers in the construction industry. The course contains practical elements and the theory that underpins the practical. Each course (listed below) unit will contain practical work, in addition to the on-line theory work.

Brickwork:	Constructing Half Brick Wall in Stretcher Bond
Brickwork:	Working With Stretcher Bond Walling
Brickwork:	Screeding a Sand or Cement Floor from a Given Level or Datum Point
Carpentry:	Fixing Door Lining In Stud Partition or Blockwork Opening
Carpentry:	Introduction to Fixing Floor Tiles & Skirting Tiles
Carpentry:	Repairing a Patch in a Plastered Wall
Plumbing:	Removing and Re-fitting a Water Filled Radiator
Plumbing:	Transferring Levels In Plumbing
Plumbing:	Working With Non Manipulative Compression Fittings
Plumbing:	Copper Pipe Bending and Jointing
Plumbing:	Connecting Plastic Fittings to a Utility Sink

Homework:

Homework is web based. Students without access to a computer at home are able to complete the work in school in their own time. Knowledge and understanding is assessed through on-line assignments and tests.

Assessment, weighting and timings of assessments:

All assessments throughout the first year are practical; towards the end of each topic, assessed assignments are completed and checked against City & Guilds criteria. Each assignment is recorded and photographed, forming an evidence portfolio which students will use for their overall qualification.

Books, equipment, materials and resources recommended / needed:

All materials, tools and equipment are provided for students. Access to a PC at home is useful but not essential. Old clothes are advised for most of the practical sessions and essential for brickwork and plastering. All safety equipment, including steel toe-capped boots are provided.

Opportunities for study beyond Key Stage 4:

Courses exist within Brighton & Hove for students to continue studying construction and construction related subjects. This study can be at differing levels to suit individual students, up to and including degree level and beyond. Blatch 6 runs an appropriate course (if sufficient demand exists) at the required level.

Career opportunities supported by this subject:

The construction industry offers employment in four distinct career areas: Professional, Technician, Building Crafts and Building Operatives. Opportunities exist from entry level post school, to graduate and postgraduate level in professions including architecture, surveying, property management and maintenance, plumbing, bricklaying, carpentry & joinery, site supervision and management amongst others.

This course is delivered in conjunction with StudyXpress