Construction

Subject Leader: Mrs Dempsey - rdempsey@tqacademy.co.uk

AIMS OF THE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

• Give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. 
• You will develop your knowledge of construction methods, materials and design, applying mathematical and scientific principles to solve problems in a construction context. 
• You will learn and develop the basic skills of the design process, knowledge of construction technology as well as carpentry and brickwork. 
• You will also develop key skills, such as planning work, interpreting technical information and designing to meet a client brief. 
• you will get the opportunity to apply hand skills, safely use tools, measure and check the quality of work completed.

CONSTRUCTION CURRICULUM

OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

Course Title: BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Construction and the Built Environment

Examining Body: Pearson

Course Lead: Mrs Dempsey

What will I study?

You will gain great experience in starting work in construction, develop skills in working safely in construction and gain an insight into trade areas such as joinery, trowel, plumbing and building services. 

There is an approximate split of 40/30/30 between theory, practical and design lessons. 

1. Construction in technology: Understanding common types of construction used to build low- rise buildings, material technologies and the essential maths and science that Designers and Builders use day-to-day, sustainability and how buildings’ substructures and superstructures are constructed.
2. Construction in Practice: covering the principles of safe working – risk assessment, selecting and using materials and tools, planning work in trades in either carpentry and evaluating the quality of work produced. 
3. Construction in design: exploring how the design of different buildings can meet their function and how to practically design buildings to meet the needs of the clients and the environment, including the various constraints on the design. Learners will be able to integrate knowledge across the qualification into their response to a design brief

How and when will I be assessed?

Everyone taking this qualification will study three components, covering the following content:

• Construction technology: Understanding common types of construction used to build low rise buildings, material technologies and the essential maths and science that Designers and Builders use day-to-day, sustainability and how buildings’ substructures and superstructures are constructed. Examination in May /June. (40%)
• Practical craft skills: covering the principles of safe working, selecting and using materials and tools, planning work in trades in either carpentry or brickwork and evaluating the quality of work produced. This will be assessed in Year 10 Released in January submitted in May. (30%)
• Construction and design: exploring how the design of different buildings can meet their function and how to practically design buildings to meet the needs of the clients and the environment, including the various constraints on the design. Learners will be able to integrate knowledge across the qualification into their response to a design brief. This will be assessed in Year 11 Released in September submitted in December. (30%)

Further study

A Level Product Design

A Level Mathematics 

A Level Physics

CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY

Top 5 UK universities to study Construction are:

1. University of Cambridge Offers a robust program in Engineering with a focus on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. The Department of Engineering is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration.

2. University of Bath Known for its strong focus on practical and industry-relevant education in Civil Engineering and Architecture. Offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Construction Project Management and Construction Engineering. Strong industry links and high employability rates for graduates.

3. Loughborough University Highly regarded for its programs in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering Management and Quantity Surveying. Emphasises hands-on learning and real-world experience through placements and industry projects.

4. University of Reading The School of the Built Environment is renowned for its courses in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and Building Surveying. 

5. University College London (UCL)  UCL's Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management is internationally recognized. 

CAREERS INFORMATION

Below are three careers that relate to Construction:

Job Description: Quantity surveyors are responsible for managing the costs and budgets of construction projects. They prepare cost estimates, monitor spending and ensure that projects are completed within financial limits. They work closely with architects, engineers and contractors to analyse project specifications and determine the required quantities of materials. They also handle contract administration and provide financial advice to ensure the project's economic efficiency.

Typical Salary: £25,000 -£80,000+ per year

Job Description: Architects design buildings and other structures, balancing aesthetics, functionality and safety. They create detailed plans, drawings and specifications for construction projects. Architects work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences and they coordinate with engineers, construction managers and other professionals to ensure that their designs are feasible and compliant with building codes and regulations. They may also oversee construction to ensure that the project is built according to their designs.

Typical Salary: £28,000 - £80,000+ per year

Job Description: Construction managers, also known as construction project managers or general contractors, oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, timelines and ensure that projects comply with building codes and safety regulations. Their duties include hiring and supervising workers, coordinating with architects and engineers, obtaining permits and ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget.

Typical Salary: £25,000 - £100,000+ per year