CONSTRUCTION

Why study GCSE Construction?

GCSE Construction provides pupils with the opportunity to learn about different careers within the Construction industry and also provides a useful insight into the planning, the materials, and the construction techniques of buildings looking at all aspects of the building from the foundations up to the roof structures. A major part of the course requires pupils to learn and use Autocad Architectural software to draw a range of building plans. Pupils will also develop practical craft skills and will manufacture their own craft project.

The aims of this course are to enable students to:

• develop the knowledge, understanding and skills, both technical and generic, which are

associated with work in the Construction industry;

• begin to develop and apply the practical craft skills used in the Construction industry;
• explore in detail the careers of some of the many occupations within the Construction

industry;

• research the materials used in the construction of domestic and commercial buildings;
• produce designs for some of the components used in the construction of buildings.

How is the GCSE course assessed?

External Examinations

Unit 1 – Introduction to the Built Environment               (Year 12)           20%

(1 hour examination paper, single tier of entry)

Unit 2 – Sustainable Construction                                   (Year 12)           30%

(1½ hour examination paper, single tier of entry)

Pupils are provided with pre-release exam information.

Controlled Assessments

Unit 3 – The Construction Craft Project                            (Year 12)         25%

Craft Project Portfolio                                                             5%

Craft Project                                                                           20%

Unit 4 – Computer Aided Design in Construction            (Year11)          25%

Pupils will use Autocad to draw technical drawings of foundations, sills, windows and doors. They will draw up and amend house plans and also design and propose alternate floor plan layouts.

What can I do with GCSE Construction?

Pupils who study Construction can go on to study Civil Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Computer Aided Design or a skilled trade apprenticeship as a mechanical, electrical or craft technician.