Construction & the Built Environment

Exam Board:

Pearson

What will I study on the course:

You will gain a practical introduction to the construction industry, exploring how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained. Key components include:

  • Construction and Design: Different forms of low-rise construction (up to 5.2 metres high) for homes, offices, and retail units; materials and techniques used; sustainable methods like prefabrication; interpreting drawings and plans; health, safety, and welfare in construction.
  • Construction Occupational Specialisms: Practical skills in areas such as brickwork, carpentry and joinery, or other trades (depending on school facilities).
  • Construction Industry and Built Environment: The roles of professionals (e.g., architects, surveyors, site managers), external influences (e.g., sustainability, legislation), and real-world applications. The course combines theory with hands-on practical work, developing skills in planning, designing, and building, while emphasising safety, environmental impact, and modern construction practices.

How is the course assessed:

A mix of internal and external assessment (no traditional tiered GCSE structure; graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents):

  • Component 1: Exploring the Construction and Built Environment – Internally assessed (coursework/portfolio), 30% – Explores the industry, roles, and factors affecting construction.
  • Component 2: Constructing Buildings and Structures – Internally assessed (practical tasks), 30% – Hands-on construction activities and planning.
  • Component 3: Construction and Design – Externally set assignment (Pearson-set task), completed under supervised conditions (approx. 2 hours preparation + 6 hours supervised assessment), 40% – Involves designing and presenting solutions for a construction project. Total guided learning hours: 120. The qualification is linear, with external assessment from 2024 onwards.

Post-16 courses:

Level 3 BTEC National in Construction and the Built Environment (equivalent to A Levels), T Levels in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Building Services Engineering, apprenticeships (e.g., bricklaying, carpentry, site management), or A Levels in related subjects like Engineering or Product Design. A good grade supports entry to college sixth form, vocational training, or higher education in construction-related fields.

Careers:

Bricklayer, carpenter/joiner, plasterer, plumber, electrician, site manager, quantity surveyor, architect, civil/structural engineer, project manager, building inspector, construction technician, or roles in sustainability/green building. The construction industry offers diverse opportunities, from skilled trades to professional/technical positions, with strong demand in the UK for apprenticeships and well-paid jobs.

Specific advantages:

This vocational course is highly practical, allowing you to gain real hands-on experience in a workshop environment, which many students find more engaging than purely academic subjects. It develops employable skills early (e.g., safe working practices, interpreting plans), suits those who enjoy building/making things, and provides a clear pathway into the industry without needing advanced theory upfront. At Discovery Academy, the subject stands out as offering experiences typically available only in further education, with potential for state-of-the-art facilities to enhance learning.

How useful it is in the real world:

Extremely useful – the UK construction sector is one of the largest employers, facing skills shortages and needing workers for housing, infrastructure, and sustainable projects (e.g., net-zero buildings). The course equips you with practical, job-ready skills like health & safety awareness, basic construction techniques, and design understanding, which are directly transferable to apprenticeships, employment, or further training. It builds problem-solving, teamwork, and project management abilities valued across industries, promotes awareness of sustainability and modern methods, and opens doors to stable, rewarding careers with good earning potential in a vital, growing sector essential to everyday life (homes, roads, public buildings).

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