Construction

Construction Curriculum Overview

At Salmons Brook School, our Construction curriculum is a vocational and life-enhancing programme designed to prepare students for the world of work, independent living, and further education or training. Offered as a specialist option subject at Key Stage 5, Construction builds on practical skills developed through Design and Technology and is designed to meet the needs of our learners with EHCPs and SEMH needs. The course enables students to gain meaningful accreditation, explore careers in the built environment, and develop confidence, independence, and purpose through hands-on learning. 

Intent 

Our Construction curriculum aims to: 

  • Provide students with practical knowledge and technical skills in bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, and decorating. 

  • Introduce students to the construction and engineering sectors, including roles, responsibilities, safety protocols, and the tools of the trade. 

  • Support students to work safely and effectively in simulated work environments, applying health and safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) confidently. 

  • Equip students with the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills essential to success in the construction industry. 

  • Offer Level 1 qualifications in Exploring the Construction and Engineering Sectors (Pearson BTEC), building foundations for employment, apprenticeships, or further study. 

  • Embed the values of resilience, responsibility, and aspiration, supporting students to become capable and independent young adults. 

Implementation 

Construction is offered as an option subject at Key Stage 5, and builds directly upon the introductory unit in Year 9 and vocational DT projects completed in KS4. The curriculum follows a modular, project-based structure aligned to the Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Construction and Engineering: 

Units of Study Include: 

  • Unit 1: Introduction to the Construction and Engineering Sectors 
    Students explore construction business types, roles in the sector, and skills required for employment. They reflect on sustainability, legal/ethical working practices, and produce a personal career plan. 

  • Unit 2: Developing Bricklaying Skills 
    Students learn to select and use bricklaying tools and materials, follow PPE and site safety expectations, and construct basic walling (stretcher bond) to specified standards. 

  • Unit 3: Developing Carpentry Skills 
    Students safely use hand tools such as saws, chisels, and planes to produce a timber product (e.g. photo frame with hinges), applying precise measuring and joinery skills. 

  • Unit 4: Developing Joinery Skills 
    Students build on their carpentry knowledge to construct more complex items, such as a stool or box, using joints like mortise and tenon and demonstrating a secure understanding of structural integrity. 

  • Unit 5: Developing Construction Decorating Skills 
    Students learn to prepare and decorate surfaces using tools like trimming knives, pasting tables, and plumb lines. They apply wallpaper to industry standards and learn to cut around switches and sockets. 

Each unit integrates: 

  • Hands-on learning: Practical projects are carried out in a well-equipped workshop environment under close supervision. 

  • Portfolio development: Students build evidence through annotated photographs, assessor observations, and written reflections. 

  • Teamwork and communication: Students work in pairs and groups, practising workplace behaviour and following instructions. 

  • Workplace readiness: Students gain confidence, routine, and a sense of pride through producing tangible, high-quality outcomes. 

Assessment is ongoing through practical observation, skill demonstrations, and portfolio completion, with regular feedback guiding progression and goal-setting. 

Impact 

Through our Construction curriculum, students: 

  • Gain practical, industry-aligned experience across multiple construction disciplines, from brickwork to interior decoration. 

  • Achieve a Level 1 vocational qualification, opening doors to further training, apprenticeships, or supported employment in construction and related fields. 

  • Learn how to operate safely, work cooperatively, follow professional instructions, and meet deadlines—key employability traits for any workplace. 

  • Build resilience, attention to detail, and independence, particularly important for students with SEMH needs preparing for adulthood. 

  • Explore and reflect on their own career ambitions, making informed decisions about next steps and life pathways beyond Salmons Brook. 

Ultimately, Construction at Salmons Brook empowers students to take pride in their work, see the value of their effort, and build a future grounded in tangible skills and achievable goals. 

Generated with Avocode.