Construction and the Built Environment

At Leeds City Academy students have the opportunity to study for the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Construction and the Bulit Environment from Year 10 onwards.

The course consists of three components giving students the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of Construction . Components 2 and 3 are done through internal assessment (coursework) and then sent off to be externally moderated. These components are on Construction in practice and construction and Design.

In addition, there is one external examination. This examination is based around Construction Technology and requires learners to understand the different areas of technology and the real-life application of these technologies in the UK and around the world. The design of this external assessment ensures that there is sufficient stretch and challenge. It is based on a key tasks that requires learners to demonstrate they can identify and use effectively an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge.

For further information on the curriculum offered please contact the Academy F.A.O Francesca Sharpe (Associate Assistant Principal)

Course Details 

BTEC Tech Award Construction and the build Environment Level 1 & Level 2 (2022) – Pearson - 603/7051/8

Term by Term Subject Content

Year 10

Component Brief 

This component will introduce learners to commonly used hand tools, equipment and craft skills needed in the creation of the built environment and how to select and use materials in order to safely produce quality outcomes.

Introduction about the component:

In this component, learners  will learn and apply vocationally correct techniques to perform construction activities which include the appropriate selection and use of a range of tools to perform construction activities. In doing this you will develop some understanding of working safely in a craft role in the construction industry. You will also have to analyse hazards and risks and then complete some practical work in one of two craft areas: brickwork and carpentry and joinery.

You will complete an assessed practical activity in one craft area from the set assignments available to support the assessment of this component. You will showcase your applied knowledge and understanding in addition to your practical skills in this craft.

This component will enable Learners to gain an insight into the construction industry in order to facilitate your choice of pathway into further education to prepare you for a career in construction or related fields.

Component in Brief 

Learners will gain an understanding of clients’ needs and develop skills in producing building design briefs and sketches that consider construction constraints.

Introduction about the component:

In this component, learners will develop your understanding of how design requirements can be developed through analysis of client requirements and needs for a new building, how to consider the external constraints on a development, and how both facets influence designing a solution for a client’s needs.

Upon completion of this component, you will be able to create a developed design brief and generate a number of concept ideas that could meet with the client’s approval. These ideas may have to fit in with the style of traditional buildings within a locality or could be a more modern contemporary design when there are no such constraints. These concepts are developed into a final design solution that can utilise a number of graphical communication methods, including sketching skills.

This component has synoptic assessment requiring you to select and integrate knowledge from across the qualification. Therefore, it should be taken at the end of the course of study.

The component will bring together knowledge and understanding from other components in order for you to gain an insight into the work of the designer. This will give you a broad understanding of construction and enable you to make informed choices when considering your post-16 education. It will facilitate pathways into technician or craft education and further training.

Year 11

Component in brief 

Learners will gain an understanding of clients’ needs and develop skills in producing building design briefs and sketches that consider construction constraints.

Introduction about the component:

In this component, Learners will develop your understanding of how design requirements can be developed through analysis of client requirements and needs for a new building, how to consider the external constraints on a development, and how both facets influence designing a solution for a client’s needs. Upon completion of this component, you will be able to create a developed design brief and generate a number of concept ideas that could meet with the client’s approval. These ideas may have to fit in with the style of traditional buildings within a locality or could be a more modern contemporary design when there are no such constraints. These concepts are developed into a final design solution that can utilise a number of graphical communication methods, including sketching skills. This component has synoptic assessment requiring you to select and integrate knowledge from across the qualification. Therefore, it should be taken at the end of the course of study. The component will bring together knowledge and understanding from other components in order for you to gain an insight into the work of the designer. This will give you a broad understanding of construction and enable you to make informed choices when considering your post-16 education. It will facilitate pathways into technician or craft education and further training.

Component in brief

This component will develop knowledge and understanding of processes, terminology and technology used in the construction of the built environment.

Information about the component:

There are many different types of buildings we can construct and occupy across the UK. This component will initially examine the different forms of construction that can be used for low-rise (up to 5.2 metres in height) offices, retail units and homes. The use of prefabrication to construct buildings is now a sustainable method used to build quickly and reduce damage to the environment. You will examine the modern methods of construction that rely heavily on offsite prefabrication, which benefits the environment sustainably.

In understanding how to set up a site you, will examine the information that must be completed before starting work, along with the infrastructure you will need to put in place to run the job efficiently and safely.

Sub-structure works are one of the most important parts of a project as they have to safely support the superstructure that rests upon them. You will understand the methods used in constructing several different types of foundation and the safety aspects of supporting excavations while employees work within them. The removal of water from excavations must also be carefully considered.

 Moving above the sub-structure, you will understand the need for provisions to stop damp rising, and the construction associated with the superstructure of a building. This is the part that has to be aesthetically pleasing, keep out the weather elements and ensure that the occupants are at a comfortable temperature.

 You will develop a detailed understanding of how walls, floors, roofs and external works are constructed, and you will be able to name each component part, along with its functions. This will change with each different type of construction method that can be employed in a building.