Blackpool Skills Academy
Brickwork Curriculum Overview
39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression
A career in brickwork
See where practical skills can lead
Brickwork can provide a route into skilled employment, apprenticeships and opportunities across the construction industry.
Meet Andrew, a professional bricklayer who has travelled around the UK using the skills he developed through the trade.
Watch Andrew’s story and discover what working as a bricklayer can involve.
Our curriculum model
How the spiral curriculum works
All students study the same construction concepts and practical activities.
Progression is achieved through increasing:
- Health and safety
- Accuracy
- Technical skill
- Independence
- Problem solving
- Quality assurance
- Industry readiness
Students work at the stage appropriate to their current attainment and progress through increasingly demanding practical and theoretical tasks within each curriculum area.
The learning journey
Progression Through Stages
Stage 1
Observe and Follow
Supported learning
Teacher-ledStage 2
Practise and Apply
Guided learning
Shared responsibilityStage 3
Work Independently
Independent application
Independent responsibilityStage 4
Select and Justify
Critical thinking
Problem solvingStage 5
Design and Lead
Industry readiness
Leadership and mentoringThe 39 week programme
Curriculum Overview
Autumn 1
Building Walls
How do professional bricklayers produce accurate, safe and durable brickwork that meets industry standards?
Throughout this half term, students develop the essential knowledge and practical skills that underpin all bricklaying. They learn how to work safely, select and use tools correctly, understand construction materials and develop the accuracy required before progressing to more advanced brickwork projects.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workshop Induction and Health & Safety | Identify common workshop hazards, PPE, emergency procedures, manual handling requirements and safe working zones. | Demonstrate safe workshop routines including PPE checks, housekeeping, safe lifting and correct storage of materials and tools. | Work safely and independently throughout practical brickwork activities whilst maintaining an organised workstation. | Assess risks during practical activities, adapting working practices to minimise hazards and protect others. | Demonstrate the professional health and safety behaviours expected on a construction site, promoting a positive safety culture and challenging unsafe practice. |
| 2 | Tools and Equipment | Identify brick trowels, pointing trowels, spirit levels, line and pins, bolster chisels, club hammers, tape measures, brick jointers and profiles. | Select the correct tools for common bricklaying tasks and demonstrate safe handling, cleaning and storage. | Use bricklaying tools confidently and accurately whilst maintaining safe working practices and good workmanship. | Justify the selection of different tools for setting out, laying, cutting and finishing brickwork. | Demonstrate efficient tool selection, maintenance and organisation that reflects professional site practice and maximises productivity. |
| 3 | Brick Types & Materials | Identify common brick types including facing bricks, engineering bricks, common bricks, concrete blocks and air bricks together with their typical uses. | Describe the properties of different bricks and construction materials, including strength, durability, appearance and moisture resistance. | Select suitable bricks and materials for straightforward construction tasks using technical knowledge and project requirements. | Compare brick types by considering strength, cost, sustainability, weather resistance and intended application. | Recommend the most appropriate construction materials for a project, justifying choices using professional construction terminology and performance requirements. |
| 4 | Measuring and Marking Out | Identify tape measures, folding rules, builder's squares, chalk lines and recognise standard brick dimensions and gauge measurements. | Measure and mark out simple brickwork accurately using the correct tools and checking dimensions before construction begins. | Set out brickwork independently using accurate measurements, square corners and consistent brick gauge. | Identify measurement errors and adjust setting out to maintain accuracy, alignment and dimensional tolerance. | Produce accurate site setting out that meets professional construction standards and quality assurance requirements. |
| 5 | Mortar Mixing | Identify the materials used to produce mortar, including cement, building sand, lime, water and plasticiser where appropriate. | Mix mortar using the correct ratios and safe working procedures with tutor guidance whilst recognising the characteristics of a workable mix. | Produce consistent mortar independently that is suitable for laying bricks whilst maintaining good housekeeping and safe practice. | Assess mortar consistency and adapt the mix to suit weather conditions, brick type and construction activity. | Produce professional-quality mortar consistently, explaining how mix design influences strength, workability and finished brickwork quality. |
| 6 | Accuracy, Control and Quality Assurance | Identify the characteristics of accurate brickwork including level courses, plumb walls, consistent joints and clean workmanship. | Improve practical accuracy by maintaining line, level, gauge and joint consistency with tutor guidance. | Build accurately and independently whilst checking work regularly using spirit levels, lines and measuring equipment. | Evaluate completed brickwork, identifying defects such as uneven joints, poor alignment or inconsistent gauge and recommending improvements. | Produce brickwork that consistently reflects professional construction standards through careful quality control, attention to detail and continuous self-assessment. |
Autumn 2
Learning to Lay
How do bricklayers develop the technical skills required to construct accurate, strong and professional brickwork?
During this half term, students apply the knowledge developed in the first term to practical bricklaying. They learn how to handle a trowel correctly, lay bricks accurately, construct common bonding patterns and produce work that meets professional construction standards.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Trowel Skills | Identify the correct grip, loading technique and movements required to spread mortar and butter brick ends. | Practise spreading mortar, buttering bricks and placing bricks accurately with tutor guidance. | Lay bricks independently using consistent mortar beds, correct joint thickness and controlled trowel techniques. | Adapt trowel techniques to improve speed, consistency, mortar control and overall workmanship. | Demonstrate confident, efficient trowel skills that produce clean, accurate brickwork to commercial standards. |
| 8 | Quality Inspection | Identify the characteristics of quality brickwork including level courses, plumb faces, straight lines and consistent joints. | Inspect completed brickwork using spirit levels, lines and measuring tools with tutor guidance. | Check brickwork independently, identifying defects in alignment, gauge, joint finish and plumb. | Compare completed work against recognised construction tolerances and recommend improvements. | Carry out professional quality inspections, justifying decisions using recognised construction standards and good site practice. |
| 9 | English & Flemish Bond | Identify English Bond and Flemish Bond and recognise the arrangement of headers and stretchers within each pattern. | Construct simple sections of English Bond and Flemish Bond with tutor guidance following setting-out lines. | Build English Bond and Flemish Bond independently whilst maintaining correct bonding, gauge, line and level. | Compare the strength, appearance and applications of different bonding patterns within construction projects. | Select and justify the most appropriate bonding pattern based upon structural requirements, appearance and project specification. |
| 10 | Corners & Returns | Identify the purpose of corners, quoins and returns within brickwork construction. | Build simple corners and returns using correct bonding sequences with tutor guidance. | Construct corners and returns independently whilst maintaining plumb, level and accurate bonding throughout. | Identify and correct alignment, bonding and gauge errors whilst maintaining structural accuracy. | Produce accurate corners and returns that meet professional construction standards and support the quality of the finished wall. |
| 11 | Openings & Piers | Identify the purpose of openings, piers, reveals and lintels within domestic brickwork. | Construct simple openings and piers with tutor guidance whilst maintaining correct dimensions and bonding. | Build accurate openings and piers independently using appropriate setting out, bonding and joint finishes. | Assess the quality of completed openings by checking dimensions, plumb, level, alignment and structural appearance. | Produce professional-quality openings and piers that demonstrate technical accuracy, structural understanding and high standards of workmanship. |
| 12 | Brickwork Practical Assessment | Demonstrate safe working practices and basic bricklaying techniques during a practical assessment. | Construct brickwork accurately whilst maintaining correct line, level, gauge and joint consistency throughout the task. | Complete an independent bricklaying project demonstrating sound technical skills and professional working practices. | Evaluate completed brickwork, identifying strengths and recommending improvements using construction quality standards. | Produce a commercially realistic brickwork project demonstrating technical competence, safe working, excellent workmanship and industry readiness. |
Spring 1
Building Walls
How do skilled bricklayers combine technical accuracy with craftsmanship to produce attractive, durable and structurally sound brickwork?
During this half term, students extend their practical bricklaying skills by constructing more complex features whilst developing greater precision, quality control and professional judgement. They begin to evaluate their own work against industry standards and understand how quality workmanship contributes to successful construction projects.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Decorative Brickwork | Identify decorative brickwork features including soldier courses, header courses, projecting bricks and simple decorative patterns. | Explain how decorative brickwork enhances appearance whilst maintaining structural integrity. | Construct simple decorative brickwork features independently using accurate setting out and consistent jointing. | Compare decorative brickwork techniques, selecting appropriate features to suit different building styles and project specifications. | Design and construct decorative brickwork that demonstrates creativity, technical accuracy and professional craftsmanship. |
| 14 | Line, Level & Plumb | Identify spirit levels, line and pins, profiles and plumb checks used to control brickwork accuracy. | Use lines, levels and profiles correctly to maintain straight, level and plumb brickwork with tutor guidance. | Maintain accurate line, level and plumb independently throughout practical bricklaying activities. | Identify and correct alignment errors whilst maintaining dimensional accuracy and construction tolerances. | Consistently produce brickwork that meets professional standards for line, level and plumb through continuous quality checking. |
| 15 | Half Brick Walls | Identify the construction principles of a half brick wall, including stretcher bond, joint thickness and wall dimensions. | Set out and construct a half brick wall with guidance, maintaining consistent mortar joints and accurate gauge. | Build a half brick wall independently with straight courses, plumb faces and professional joint finishes. | Evaluate wall quality by checking dimensions, bonding, alignment and overall workmanship against construction standards. | Construct a professional-quality half brick wall demonstrating excellent technical accuracy, consistency and commercial workmanship. |
| 16 | Solid Wall Construction | Identify the construction sequence and bonding requirements used in solid wall construction. | Construct simple solid wall sections using correct bonding techniques and safe working practices with tutor guidance. | Build solid walls independently whilst maintaining line, level, plumb, gauge and structural accuracy. | Assess completed wall construction, identifying improvements to strength, appearance and build efficiency. | Produce professional-quality solid wall construction demonstrating technical competence and industry-standard workmanship. |
| 17 | Openings & Corners | Identify the components of brickwork openings including reveals, returns, lintels, quoins and corner bonds. | Construct openings and corners with tutor guidance using accurate setting out and correct bonding techniques. | Build openings and corners independently whilst maintaining dimensions, alignment and structural integrity. | Evaluate completed work by checking squareness, plumb, bonding, joint finish and compliance with construction drawings. | Deliver professionally constructed openings and corners that demonstrate precision, structural understanding and excellent craftsmanship. |
| 18 | Quality Inspection | Identify the key indicators of high-quality brickwork including alignment, joint finish, bonding and dimensional accuracy. | Inspect completed brickwork systematically using levels, measuring tools and visual checks with tutor guidance. | Carry out independent quality inspections, identifying defects and recommending corrective action. | Compare completed work against recognised construction standards and site tolerances, justifying inspection decisions. | Conduct professional quality inspections that demonstrate critical judgement, attention to detail and a commitment to industry standards. |
Spring 2
Professional Brickwork
How do professional bricklayers combine technical accuracy with customer expectations to deliver high-quality construction projects?
During this half term, students refine their practical skills by producing increasingly accurate, visually consistent and customer-focused brickwork. They learn to evaluate quality, match existing construction, interpret customer requirements and complete professional projects that reflect commercial construction standards.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Decorative Brickwork | Identify decorative brickwork features including soldier courses, header courses, projecting bricks and simple brick patterns from construction drawings. | Set out decorative brickwork accurately using correct measurements, bonding patterns and mortar joints with tutor guidance. | Construct decorative brickwork independently whilst maintaining line, level, plumb and consistent joint finishes. | Evaluate decorative layouts for appearance, symmetry, accuracy and suitability for different construction projects. | Design and construct decorative brickwork that combines technical precision, creativity and commercial-quality workmanship. |
| 20 | Quality Inspection Construction | Identify the characteristics of professional brickwork including level courses, plumb walls, consistent joints and clean finishes. | Inspect completed brickwork using spirit levels, tape measures and visual checks with tutor guidance. | Carry out independent quality inspections, identifying defects in bonding, alignment, joint finish and dimensional accuracy. | Evaluate completed construction against recognised site tolerances and recommend practical improvements. | Complete professional quality inspections confidently, justifying decisions using recognised construction standards and quality assurance procedures. |
| 21 | Brick Matching | Identify common brick colours, textures, sizes, finishes and mortar colours used within domestic construction. | Match replacement bricks and mortar with guidance by comparing colour, texture, bond and joint finish. | Select appropriate bricks and mortar independently to achieve consistent appearance within existing brickwork. | Analyse how weathering, age, manufacturing methods and mortar colour affect successful brick matching. | Recommend the most suitable brick and mortar combination that achieves a professional repair whilst preserving the appearance of the original structure. |
| 22 | Customer Specification | Identify customer requirements from simple drawings, photographs, written specifications and verbal instructions. | Produce brickwork that follows customer dimensions, layout and finish with tutor guidance. | Construct brickwork independently that meets the agreed customer specification whilst maintaining professional standards. | Evaluate completed work against the client's specification, identifying any differences and recommending improvements. | Deliver brickwork that fully satisfies customer requirements through technical accuracy, quality workmanship and professional attention to detail. |
| 23 | Brickwork Project | Identify the tools, materials, drawings and construction sequence required for a complete brickwork project. | Complete each stage of the project with guidance whilst maintaining safe working practices and accurate setting out. | Plan and complete a brickwork project independently, maintaining line, level, plumb, gauge and consistent joint finishes throughout. | Evaluate the completed project against construction drawings, quality standards and customer expectations. | Deliver a commercially realistic brickwork project demonstrating technical competence, problem solving, quality workmanship and effective project organisation. |
| 24 | Professional Brickwork Assessment | Demonstrate safe working practices, correct tool selection and basic bricklaying techniques during an assessed practical task. | Complete the practical assessment consistently whilst maintaining accurate setting out, mortar control and safe working procedures. | Deliver an independent bricklaying assessment demonstrating sound technical skills, quality workmanship and professional behaviour. | Evaluate technical performance using recognised construction standards, identifying strengths and realistic areas for improvement. | Demonstrate industry readiness by completing a commercially realistic brickwork assessment that reflects the standards expected of a first-year construction apprentice. |
Summer 1
Construction Site Skills
How do professional bricklayers work safely, communicate effectively and prepare for employment within the construction industry?
During this half term, students develop the wider knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of construction apprentices. They learn how to estimate materials, interpret drawings, communicate professionally on site and demonstrate the attitudes employers value within the construction industry.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Estimating Materials | Identify common building materials including bricks, blocks, mortar, sand, cement and damp-proof materials used within simple construction projects. | Calculate the quantities of bricks, mortar and basic materials required for straightforward brickwork with tutor guidance. | Estimate material requirements independently using dimensions, brick gauges and simple calculations whilst minimising waste. | Evaluate different estimating methods, considering waste, cost and project efficiency. | Produce accurate material estimates that reflect commercial construction practice and support effective project planning. |
| 26 | Reading Construction Drawings | Identify common construction symbols, dimensions, scales, elevations and brickwork annotations found on building drawings. | Interpret simple construction drawings to identify wall lengths, openings, levels and construction details with tutor guidance. | Read construction drawings independently and use them to set out and build straightforward brickwork accurately. | Identify discrepancies between drawings and completed work, recommending practical corrections before construction continues. | Interpret construction drawings confidently, using technical information to plan work accurately and efficiently to professional standards. |
| 27 | Site Communication | Identify the roles of site managers, bricklayers, apprentices, labourers and other construction trades, recognising why clear communication is essential. | Communicate effectively with tutors and team members using appropriate construction terminology and professional behaviour. | Work confidently within a team, reporting progress, requesting materials and communicating safely throughout practical activities. | Adapt communication to different workplace situations including toolbox talks, site instructions and reporting construction issues. | Demonstrate the communication skills expected of a construction apprentice by working collaboratively, reporting accurately and supporting safe site operations. |
| 28 | Working Safely on Site | Identify common site hazards including working at height, manual handling, moving vehicles, excavations and hazardous substances. | Follow safe site procedures including PPE, manual handling, housekeeping and safe use of equipment with tutor guidance. | Maintain safe working practices independently throughout practical construction activities whilst protecting themselves and others. | Assess site risks and adapt working methods to reduce hazards and maintain compliance with site safety procedures. | Demonstrate professional site safety behaviours expected within the construction industry, promoting a positive safety culture and leading by example. |
| 29 | Employer Expectations | Identify the behaviours employers expect including punctuality, reliability, teamwork, communication and professionalism. | Demonstrate positive workplace behaviours including attendance, organisation, respect and willingness to learn. | Apply professional behaviours consistently whilst working independently and contributing positively to practical construction activities. | Evaluate personal performance against employer expectations, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. | Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a first-year construction apprentice, showing professionalism, initiative and accountability. |
| 30 | Preparing for Apprenticeships | Identify apprenticeship pathways, entry requirements and career opportunities within bricklaying and the wider construction industry. | Prepare a basic CV, discuss personal strengths and recognise the qualities employers seek in apprentices. | Produce a professional CV and prepare confidently for apprenticeship applications and interviews. | Evaluate personal skills against apprenticeship standards, creating an action plan for further development. | Present themselves as apprenticeship-ready by demonstrating professional behaviours, technical competence and a clear understanding of career progression within the construction industry. |
Summer 2
Brickwork Enterprise Project
How do skilled bricklayers plan, deliver and evaluate professional construction projects that prepare them for employment and apprenticeships?
During this final half term, students bring together the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours developed throughout the curriculum. They plan, construct and evaluate increasingly independent brickwork projects whilst developing the confidence, quality standards and employability skills expected within the construction industry.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Client Brief | Identify the client's requirements from drawings, dimensions, photographs and written specifications. | Explain the sequence of work, materials and tools required to meet the client brief with tutor guidance. | Plan and organise a brickwork project independently, selecting appropriate materials, tools and construction methods. | Evaluate alternative construction approaches, balancing cost, quality, timescale and customer expectations. | Produce a professional project plan that demonstrates commercial awareness, technical understanding and effective preparation for construction. |
| 32 | Corners & Returns | Identify the construction sequence, bonding pattern and setting out required for corners and returns. | Construct corners and returns with guidance whilst maintaining line, level, plumb and correct bonding. | Build accurate corners and returns independently using professional bricklaying techniques and regular quality checks. | Evaluate completed work by checking dimensions, bonding, alignment and workmanship against construction standards. | Produce corners and returns that demonstrate professional accuracy, structural integrity and commercial-quality workmanship. |
| 33 | Openings & Piers | Identify the purpose and construction of openings, piers, reveals and lintels within brickwork. | Construct simple openings and piers with tutor guidance using accurate setting out and correct bonding techniques. | Build openings and piers independently whilst maintaining dimensions, line, level, plumb and joint consistency. | Assess completed work against drawings and industry standards, identifying practical improvements where required. | Deliver professionally constructed openings and piers demonstrating technical competence, structural understanding and excellent craftsmanship. |
| 34 | Build Project | Identify the sequence of activities required to complete the construction project safely and efficiently. | Complete each stage of the build with tutor guidance whilst maintaining safe working practices and correct construction techniques. | Construct the project independently, maintaining line, level, plumb, gauge, accurate bonding and consistent joint finishes throughout. | Evaluate progress throughout construction, making informed adjustments to improve efficiency, quality and workmanship. | Deliver a commercially realistic brickwork project demonstrating technical accuracy, effective planning, quality workmanship and professional site behaviours. |
| 35 | Quality Inspection | Identify the characteristics of professional brickwork including accurate bonding, consistent joints, line, level and plumb. | Inspect completed work using levels, measuring equipment and visual checks with tutor guidance. | Carry out independent quality inspections, identifying defects and recommending appropriate corrective actions. | Evaluate completed work against recognised construction tolerances, customer expectations and professional standards. | Conduct quality inspections confidently, producing brickwork that consistently reflects commercial construction standards. |
| 36 | Project Quality Assurance | Identify the checks required to ensure brickwork meets specification, safety requirements and quality standards. | Explain how quality assurance improves construction projects and customer satisfaction using tutor guidance. | Evaluate completed projects independently, recording strengths, weaknesses and recommended improvements. | Recommend realistic actions that improve efficiency, workmanship and compliance with professional construction standards. | Present a professional quality assurance review demonstrating critical evaluation, technical understanding and continuous improvement. |
| 37 | Industry Skills and Employability | Identify the behaviours, attitudes and workplace expectations valued by construction employers. | Demonstrate professional behaviours including punctuality, teamwork, communication, organisation and willingness to learn. | Apply workplace skills consistently whilst working independently and contributing positively to practical construction activities. | Evaluate personal performance against employer expectations and apprenticeship standards, identifying areas for further development. | Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a first-year bricklaying apprentice, showing professionalism, initiative and commercial awareness. |
| 38 | Portfolio and Progress Review | Gather evidence of practical work including photographs, assessments, drawings and feedback. | Organise portfolio evidence logically, explaining how each piece demonstrates developing construction skills. | Produce a professional portfolio independently that showcases technical competence and practical achievement. | Evaluate portfolio evidence against apprenticeship expectations, identifying strengths and future development priorities. | Present a professional construction portfolio that demonstrates readiness for further education, apprenticeships or employment within the construction industry. |
| 39 | Final Assessment and Celebration | Demonstrate safe working practices, correct tool use and core bricklaying techniques during the final practical assessment. | Complete the final assessment consistently whilst maintaining line, level, plumb, gauge and professional working practices. | Deliver an independent bricklaying project demonstrating technical competence, accuracy and consistent workmanship throughout. | Evaluate personal performance against recognised construction standards, identifying achievements and future development goals. | Demonstrate industry readiness by producing a commercially realistic brickwork project that reflects the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours expected of a first-year construction apprentice. |
What progress looks like
Progression Expectations
Stage 1
Students recognise common construction tools, materials, equipment and terminology whilst following instructions safely under close supervision. They develop confidence in identifying hazards, measuring accurately and understanding the purpose of fundamental bricklaying techniques.
Stage 2
Students apply practical bricklaying skills with guidance, selecting appropriate tools and materials whilst developing accuracy in measuring, setting out, mortar preparation and basic wall construction. They work safely and begin explaining the technical reasons behind their decisions.
Stage 3
Students work independently to construct brickwork that demonstrates consistent line, level, plumb, gauge and joint finish. They confidently interpret simple drawings, select suitable materials, complete practical tasks accurately and maintain professional site behaviours throughout construction activities.
Stage 4
Students evaluate their own workmanship against recognised construction standards, adapting techniques to improve accuracy, efficiency and finished quality. They justify the selection of tools, materials and construction methods whilst solving practical problems encountered during realistic building projects.
Stage 5
Students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a first-year bricklaying apprentice. They consistently produce commercially realistic brickwork, maintain excellent health and safety standards, communicate professionally, evaluate completed work critically and deliver projects that reflect the quality, accuracy and professionalism expected within the modern construction industry.
The purpose of the programme
Curriculum Intent
The Brickwork curriculum develops the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required for successful progression into apprenticeships, further education and employment within the construction industry.
Students follow a carefully sequenced programme that develops competence in health and safety, setting out, material selection, mortar preparation, wall construction, bonding patterns, quality assurance and customer-focused construction projects. Practical skills are revisited and refined throughout the curriculum, enabling students to build increasing technical accuracy, confidence and independence whilst understanding how professional bricklayers consistently achieve industry standards.
Alongside technical bricklaying skills, students develop the employability behaviours valued by construction employers, including teamwork, communication, organisation, problem solving, resilience and attention to detail. Students learn how to interpret construction drawings, estimate materials, evaluate workmanship, meet customer specifications and maintain professional standards throughout every stage of the construction process.
By the end of the programme, students are able to plan, construct and evaluate realistic brickwork projects that demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of learners progressing into vocational qualifications, construction apprenticeships and employment within the bricklaying profession.