BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 First Award in Construction and the Built Environment is offered as a single option 2 hours a week. These courses offer an introduction to the sector and give the student the chance to acquire the basic vocational skills which they can develop further in the Sixth Form on industry recognised courses. The BTEC Level 2 course is equivalent to 1 GCSE and is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. The Level 1 course is equivalent to 1 GCSE and is either Pass or Fail.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Construction Technology In this unit you will:

• Understand the structural performance required for low-rise construction.
• Explore how sub-structures are constructed.
• Explore how superstructures are constructed

Construction and Design In this unit you will:

• Understand the work of the construction industry.
• Understand a client’s needs to develop a design brief for a low-rise building.
• Produce a range of initial sketch ideas to meet the requirements of a client brief for a low-rise building.

Scientific and Mathematical Applications for construction In this unit you will:

• Understand the effects of forces and temperature changes on materials used in construction.
• Use mathematical techniques to solve construction problems.

ONE OPTIONAL UNIT (Choosing between):

Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and Techniques In this unit you will:

• Understand tools, materials and equipment used in carpentry and joinery.
• Develop practical skills using safe techniques to produce a timber frame.  

Exploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and Techniques In this unit you will:

• Understand tools, materials and equipment used for brickwork and blockwork.
• Develop practical skills and safe techniques to construct brickwork and blockwork.

PROGRESSION: Bricklaying or Carpentry and Joinery can be studied at Level 2 or Level 3 in the Sixth Form or you could enter the workplace through an Apprenticeship.

CAREERS: There are many careers in the Construction Industry including trades such as Bricklaying, Joinery, Plasterer, Glazier and Shop Fitter, Architect or Structural Engineer