There is no specific requirement for prior learning with this specification. The qualification has been designed to build on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired at Key Stage 3, particularly skills related to literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and enterprise.
At KS4 students can choose between bricklaying, carpentry and painting and decorating – offering a broad vocational experience and allowing students the opportunity to specialise in different areas of the construction industry. Students will be given small practical tasks which in turn can be used to carry out larger tasks. Emphasis on the quality of the finish and keeping your work site clean and tidy will underlie all teaching.
It is important that learners recognise the knowledge and understanding they develop are vocationally relevant. Providing work experience with a workplace and arranging visits to workplaces in different locations where learners can observe practices and identify possible hazards, arranging talks by visiting speakers (such as health and safety officers or health and safety inspectors) will help to enhance the learners’ understanding of the vocational importance in Constructing the Built Environment.
Learners should be equipped to interpret technical information to plan and carry out construction tasks, taking account of health and safety issues and using appropriate skills and techniques to carry out these tasks. Students should aspire to gain a qualification that will give them an entry level requirement for an apprenticeship.