Construction Curriculum Support for Parents
This page is designed to help you support your child with Construction at home. Across the year, students develop practical workshop skills, health and safety awareness, measuring and planning skills, and an understanding of a range of construction trades.
Students experience joinery, brickwork, plumbing, decorating, plastering, electrical basics, tiling and groundwork through practical projects and structured workshop activities.
Each week includes a short overview of what students are learning, why it matters, and helpful YouTube links so you can explore topics together at home.
Weekly Learning Resources
Jump to: Autumn 1 ⬇ | Autumn 2 ⬇ | Spring 1 ⬇ | Spring 2 ⬇ | Summer 1 and 2 ⬇
Autumn 1: Workshop Induction and Introduction to Joinery Skills
Week 1: Induction, Expectations and Health and Safety
Students learn workshop rules, health and safety expectations, PPE requirements and how to identify hazards in a construction environment.
Week 2: Tools, Equipment and Safe Use
Students identify key joinery tools, learn their purpose and develop safe handling techniques.
Week 3: Timber, Materials and Measuring
Students explore timber types, defects and how to measure accurately using tape measures and marking tools.
Week 4: Marking Out and Accuracy
Students learn marking out techniques, accuracy, tolerance and how precision affects construction quality.
Week 5: Cutting Techniques and Tool Control
Students develop safe cutting techniques using hand tools while improving control, positioning and accuracy.
Week 6: Developing Accuracy, Control and Evaluation
Students refine practical skills, evaluate their own work and identify ways to improve accuracy and presentation.
Autumn 2: Joinery Joints and Project Build
Week 7: Introduction to Joints
Students learn what joints are, why they are important and how to create a basic butt joint.
Week 8: Lap Joints and Joint Comparison
Students construct lap joints and compare the strength and purpose of different joint types.
Week 9: Project Introduction and Planning
Students interpret simple plans and prepare materials for a practical joinery project.
Week 10: Project Build Phase 1
Students begin constructing a practical project while applying measuring, cutting and assembly skills.
Week 11: Project Completion and Finishing
Students complete and finish their projects using sanding and quality control techniques.
Week 12: Final Assessment and Reflection
Students evaluate their completed project, reflect on progress and identify areas for future improvement.
Spring 1: Introduction to Brickwork
Week 13: Brickwork Materials and Uses
Students learn about bricks, mortar, aggregates and the role of brickwork in construction.
Week 14: Bricklaying Tools and Equipment
Students identify bricklaying tools and practise safe handling techniques.
Week 15: Mixing Mortar and Ratios
Students learn how to mix mortar correctly while understanding ratios and consistency.
Week 16: Introduction to Laying Bricks
Students practise basic bricklaying techniques including positioning, levelling and alignment.
Week 17: Developing Accuracy and Alignment
Students improve straight lines, spacing and use spirit levels to check their work.
Week 18: Introduction to Brick Bonds
Students explore stretcher bond patterns and understand how bonding improves structure and strength.
Spring 2: Brickwork Construction and Project Application
Week 19: Brickwork Skills Recap and Setting Out
Students revisit bricklaying skills and learn how to measure and set out brickwork accurately.
Week 20: Building Stretcher Bond Brickwork
Students apply stretcher bond techniques while maintaining spacing, alignment and consistency.
Week 21: Developing Height and Structure
Students build brickwork upwards while maintaining level and structural accuracy.
Week 22: Finishing Techniques and Quality Control
Students improve the appearance and finish of brickwork using jointing and finishing techniques.
Week 23: Brickwork Project Build
Students apply practical skills independently to complete a structured brickwork task.
Week 24: Final Brickwork Assessment and Evaluation
Students complete and evaluate their final brickwork project, reflecting on progress and practical development.
Summer 1 and 2: Multi-Trade Skills and Final Construction Project
Week 25: Introduction to Plumbing Systems
Students explore plumbing systems, pipework, fittings and basic plumbing safety.
Week 26: Painting and Decorating
Students learn surface preparation, painting techniques and the importance of quality finishes.
Week 27: Electrical Basics
Students learn about simple electrical components, circuits and electrical safety awareness.
Week 28: Plastering Skills
Students apply plastering techniques and evaluate the quality of finished surfaces.
Week 29: Tiling and Surface Finishing
Students develop tiling skills while focusing on spacing, alignment and surface finishing.
Week 30: Paving and Groundwork Basics
Students learn groundwork preparation, levelling and paving techniques.
Weeks 31–34: Final Construction Project
Students plan and complete a final project using skills developed across multiple construction trades.
Weeks 35–36: Final Assessment and Evaluation
Students complete final assessments, evaluate their work and reflect on skills developed across the year.