Construction
Staff​
Mrs T O’Donoghue
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Mr F Hughes
Mr C Maguire
Mr C McDonagh
Course Description ​
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The CCEA GCSE Construction and the Built Environment specification features up-to-date content that reflects modern-day practices in the construction industry. It encourages students to develop their knowledge of the industry, which they then apply in relevant and work-related contexts.​
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Students learn to interpret drawings of domestic buildings and explore the materials and sustainable methods used in domestic and commercial construction. The specification also helps students to appreciate the importance of health and safety in the construction industry.​
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To enhance their practical skills, students complete a craft project based on woodwork. They also develop their computer-aided design knowledge, understanding and skills by producing a portfolio of work.​
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This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Science and Technology Area of Learning.
Assessment
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Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment. Examination lasts 1 hour; it is assessed at the end of Year 11 and is worth 25% of the course.
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Unit 2: Sustainable Construction. Examination lasts 1 hour 30 minutes; it is assessed at the end of Year 12 and is worth 25% of the course.
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Unit 3: The Construction Craft Project in which pupils complete a woodwork manufacturing task with an associated design portfolio. This work is undertaken in Yr12 and is worth 25% of the course.
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Unit 4: Computer Aided Design in Construction. Pupils are required to create a CAD portfolio. This work is undertaken in Year 12 and is worth 25% of the course.
Pearson Ed Excel BTEC Construction & The Built Environment
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Course Description ​
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Pearson BTEC level 3 National Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – This is double award qualification equivalent to 2 A-levels.
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BTEC Level 3 Nationals are vocational qualifications provide specialist, work related learning. They have been developed in consultation with employers, universities and professional bodies to prepare learners for employment and /or a continuation of study. The course provides training in professional areas that directly link to the changing needs of construction employers and professionals, coupled with an understanding of the key issues of sustainability and health and safety practices within the construction industry.
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Overview of the course:
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The course is made up of 720 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
It is delivered across 10 Units; 8 units are assessed internally in the form of portfolio-based assignments and 2 are assessed externally in written examinations.
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The BTEC Level 3 National Construction qualification takes a unit-by-unit approach and offers a combination of assessment styles. Unit 1 & 2 carries a combined weighting of 33% with the remainder divided equally between the 8 other units.
Unit
Title
Year of Study
Type of Assessment
1
Construction Principles
13
External
2
Construction Design
14
External
4
Construction Technology
14
Internal
5
Health & Safety
13
Internal
6
Surveying in Construction
13
Internal
7
Graphical Detailing in Construction
13
Internal
8
Building Regulations & Control in Construction
14
Internal
9
Management of a Construction Project
13
Internal
10
Building Serveying in Construction
14
Internal
19
Quantity Surveying
14
Internal
Assessment
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The 10 units studied are graded using the following criteria:
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'Unclassified'- learners who complete the unit but who do not meet the pass criteria are graded as unclassified.
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‘Near Pass’-leaners who complete the unit but who do not meet all the pass criteria are graded as a Near Pass- Please Note: External Units only.
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‘Pass' – to achieve this the learner must have satisfied all the pass criteria
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'Merit' – to achieve this the learner must additionally have satisfied all the merit criteria
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'Distinction'- to achieve this the learner must additionally have satisfied all the distinction criteria
Unit Points for INTERNAL units (60 GLH)
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Unclassified (U)= 0 points​​
Pass (P) =6 points
Merit (M)=10 points
​Distinction (D)=16 points
Unit Points for EXTERNAL units (120 GLH)
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Unclassified (U)= 0 points​​
Near Pass (NP)= 8
Pass (P) =12 points
Merit (M)=20 points
Distinction (D)=32 points
The points are added together to give your final grades as follows:
Grade Boundaries BTEC National Diploma
0
72
88
104
124
144
162
180
Overall grade BTEC National Diploma
U
P P
M P
M M
D M
D D
D* D
D* D*
UCAS Points
32
48
64
80
96
104
112
A-Level Equivalent
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E E
D D
C C
B B
A A
A* A
A* A*
Skills developed:
Pupils will develop a range of cognitive and problem solving skills. Critical thinking will be required to approach problems using research of expert knowledge and creative solutions from a range of systems and technology.
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Interpersonal skills will also be developed as pupils will require clear communication and presentation skills. Pupils will demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively and develop negotiation skills along with self-management, adaptability, resilience, and self-monitoring.
Career opportunities:
Pupils may choose to go on to study at degree level, do further vocational training or enter employment within the construction industry. Specific career opportunities may include:​
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Joiner
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Planner
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Plumber
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Property development
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Project manager
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Real Estate
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Research officer
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Site Supervisor
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Structural engineer
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Quantity Surveyor
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Architect
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Building Control officer
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Building Surveyor
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Civil Engineer
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Contracts manager
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Construction / Site Management
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Electrician
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Engineering Technician
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Environmental Planner
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Health & Safety Officer