Eduqas Construction

Construction is a specialist area delivered at The Rowans through a combination of practical and theory tasks. Students have the opportunity to learn a blend of 3 x trades to enhance their vocational knowledge in an attempt to gain an understanding of career and job requirements. The course is delivered and modelled around a real-life construction site office/setup which mirrors the daily activities of a live working site. In a custom-built container, learning takes place centred around life skills and site requirements.

This year students are taught how to plan, prepare and carry out the following trades:

1. Electrical installation of a two way light switch
2. Tiling a ceramic splashback to incorporate a window frame
3. Painting and decorating around a window frame and dado rail

The examination board is Eduqas, which allows the pupils to broaden their understanding of not only the above trades, but also the health and safety requirements of working on a construction site. 

The course consists of two units:

1. Unit 3 planning and carrying out practical tasks
2. Unit 1 Exam unit (Based on job roles, materials, and techniques within the construction industry)

Successful completion of the above course can also lead to students studying and achieving their CSCS card scheme (health and safety on a construction site), which allows them to work full time on a site, once over the age of 16 years old. 

ASDAN Construction

In KS4, pupils are able to opt for ASDAN Construction in which we deliver Vocational Tasters in Construction and Manufacturing and the sector as a whole. Pupils are involved in selecting a programme of units which are of interest to them and which enable them to develop their practical skills in bricklaying and painting and decorating etc. 

The course also has a strong focus on the real-life application of literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving and team work skills, and pupils are encouraged to develop and reflect on their progress in these areas throughout the programme.

Pupils complete a number of “challenges” which culminate in the achievement of ASDAN credits and certification. The course is highly practical and gives pupils a real “hands-on” experience of DT. The challenges are varied and differentiated, allowing pupils to work with a variety of materials, processes, tools and equipment to produce a really diverse range of individual and group outcomes, reflective of their level of skill and motivation. There is lots of scope for trial and error, personal achievement, community spirit and the development of life-skills within this programme

challenges included:

• Brick laying (Students find out key in formation on the bricklaying trade and learn to cut bricks, mix cement and build a miniature house)
• Paining and decorating (Students find out key in formation on the decorating trade, take part in trade store visits, and paint a small item of furniture)
• The career sector (Student research pathways into different constructions careers, interview trades people and conduct work experience)

Additional challenges include:

• Tilling 
• Health and safety

 Department Staff:

• Subject Teacher: Mr Mansford