KS4 Btec Tech award Construction and the built environment

What’s included in the curriculum? 

The construction curriculum is divided into three separate but complimentary components. The first helps students to understand the basics of construction, looking at the materials, forces and considerations required to achieve a safe and useful structure. The second component is a practical element where students learn a specific trade. Students can chose to either develop foundation skills in either carpentry or bricklaying. Students will understand and be able to use a range of materials and tools in order to achieve an outcome. Finally, component three enables students to utilise their understanding of construction to design a building to fit a brief, students will develop their sketching and design skills along with being able to consider design based on budget and restraints. All component feed into each other and support a student in a rounded understanding of the construction industry.

What project are included? 

Component 1 Assessment objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of the work of the construction industry and the different technology used in low rise construction projects
• Demonstrate understanding of the work of the construction industry and the different technology used in low rise construction projects
• Be able to make connections between different construction technologies to ensure appropriateness of low-rise construction projects in different scenarios.

Component 2

• Be able to understand hazards and risk for safe production of practical construction outcome
• Be able to produce a practical construction outcome.

Component 3

• Understand the needs of a client and the constraints on design when designing a low-rise building.
• Be able to graphically communicate the design of a low-rise building.

What options will I have for Level ½ Btech Tech Award in Construction? 

 Students will have the opportunity to focus on one of two practical specialism areas. Student will be able to choose either bricklaying or carpentry and joinery. Students will spend time developing specialist skills using appropriate tools, equipment and materials. It is recommended students consider their specialism carefully before starting the course and research their choice. 

KS4: 

What’s in it for me? 

Have a well-rounded understanding of the construction industry, technologies and design. Be able to complete a practical specialism safely and to a good standard, which would support Post 16 opportunities or personal projects at home. You could achieve a recognised qualification up to level 2 distinction counting towards gaining employment within the sector.

How could it help with my future? 

The course is good preparation for progression to additional construction or trade qualification, it could also support with applications for apprentice opportunities or moving out into the working word

What are some of the things I’ll learn? 

You will gain the knowledge and understanding of construction technologies and the work of the industry. You will gain insight into aspects and elements of buildings along with how they achieve strength and stability along with being safe habitable spaces. You will learn a specific trade along with use of specialist tools, equipment and materials. Finally you will learn how to design against a brief showing your designs through sketches and annotation.

How will my work be assessed? 

Each component is worth roughly 1/3 of the overall qualification grade. Component 1 will be assessed through an externally set and marked written examination. Component 2 and 3 will be an externally set assignment which is internally marked and externally moderated.

What grades could I get? 

The course is graded from Level 1 pass, level 1 merit and level 1 distinction through to level 2 pass, level 2 merit and level 2 distinction. Each component is worth roughly 1/3 of the overall grade.

The Pearsons Assessment Objectives which the students and the department will work with are outlined below: 

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge of work of the construction industry and the different technology used in low-rise construction projects

AO2 Demonstrate understanding of work of the construction industry and the different technology used in low-rise construction project

AO3 Be able to make connections between different construction technologies to ensure appropriateness of low-rise construction projects in different scenarios

AO1 Be able to understand hazards and risk for safe production of a practical construction outcome

BO1 Be able to produce a practical construction outcome.

AO1 Understand the needs of a client and the constraints on design when designing a low-rise building

BO1 Be able to graphically communicate the design of a low-rise building.

Got any more questions? 

If you think the Btec Tech Award in Construction and the Built Environment right for you, why not have a chat with your teacher? 

For further information, please contact Karl Davey - kdavey@keyham.discoverytrust.org