CONSTRUCTION (GCSE & A-Level)
Subject Aim:
Our Construction department offers two distinct pathways designed to take students from foundational knowledge through to industry-ready expertise. At KS4, our GCSE in Construction provides students with a broad and solid foundation of knowledge across the industry, engaging them through hands-on craft projects and computer aided design (CAD) to develop the practical skills and key transferable competencies valued in working life. Students gain a thorough understanding of the materials, processes and sustainable methods used in both domestic and commercial construction, while exploring clear routes into further education, training or employment. Building on this foundation, our BTEC Level 3 in Construction at KS5 deepens students’ understanding and specialist knowledge through case studies, real-world projects and industry-standard software and technologies. This advanced pathway is designed to prepare learners either to progress confidently into Higher Education or to enter the construction industry directly, equipped with the expertise and professional skills that employers and universities demand. Together, both courses reflect our commitment to inspiring ambition and supporting every student towards a rewarding future in construction.
KS4 – GCSE Construction
- Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment External
- written examination
- 20% of grade
- Unit 2: Sustainable Construction External
- written examination
- 30% of grade
- Unit 3: The Construction Craft Project
- Controlled Assessment
- 25% of grade
- Unit 4: Computer Aided Design in Construction
- Controlled assessment
- 25%. of grade
A-Level – BTEC Level 3 Construction & the Built Environment (single award and double award)
Single Award (equivalent to 1 A-Level):
- Unit 1: Construction Principles – External Examination (120 GLH)
- Unit 2: Construction Design – External Examination (120 GLH)
- Unit 4: Construction Technology – internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 5:Health and Safety in Construction – internal assessment (60GLH)
Double Award (equivalent to 2 A-Levels):
- Unit 6: Surveying in Construction – internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 7: Graphical Detailing in Construction – internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 8: Building Regulations and Control in Construction – internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 17, projects in construction – internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 39, Housing Design Project– internal assessment (60GLH)
- Unit 41, Renewable Energy for Housing – internal assessment (60GLH)
Extra-Curricular Involvement
Our Construction students have the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom through a range of enrichment activities. These have included site visits to live construction projects and architectural practices, guest speaker events from industry professionals, and participation in design and build challenges.
Links to Industry
Construction is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse industries, offering a wide range of rewarding career pathways for our students to aspire towards. From architecture, civil and structural engineering, and quantity surveying, to site management, interior design, sustainable construction and building services, the breadth of opportunity is enormous. Our courses are designed with these destinations firmly in mind, with industry-standard software, practical projects and professional skills embedded throughout. We maintain strong links with local employers and further education providers, helping students to make informed decisions about apprenticeships, college courses, university degrees or direct entry into the workforce upon leaving school.