Key Stage 4
Examination Board
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Construction
What students will learn? (overview)
Years 10-11
The BTEC Firsts in Construction have been developed in the construction and built environment sector
to:
 provide education and training for those who are intending to work in the construction industry;
 provide full time learners with the opportunity to enter employment in the construction and built
environment sector, or to progress to vocational qualifications such as the Edexcel BTEC Level 3
Nationals in Construction;
 provide learners with the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and
attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
The delivery of the units will take place through both theory and practical tasks. There are
practical elements to most Units and this work needs to be supported by written information.
How they will be assessed? (overview)
Years 10-11
Oaks Park High School offers this 2 year course, based in the school. It is the equivalent of up to 4
GCSEs A*- G, depending on how many units students complete. The Edexcel BTEC First Diploma in
Construction is a qualification that consists of core units, mandatory units, plus optional specialist
units. These are outlined below:
Core units
 Core units are designed to cover the body of content that employers and educators within the sector
consider essential for 14–19 year old learners.
 One unit will be internally assessed and one unit will be externally assessed.
Mandatory unit(s)
 Mandatory unit(s) assess additional knowledge, skills and understanding that are not covered within
the core units but that are essential to the curriculum area or vocational sector.
 One unit will be internally assessed and one unit will be externally assessed.
Optional specialist units
The remainder of the qualifications in the sector will be formed from optional specialist units. Optional
specialist units are sector specific, focus on a particular area within the vocational sector and provide an
opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding.
Edexcel BTEC First Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
Unit
Assessment method
Core units
1
Construction Technology
External (Exam)
2
Construction and Design
Internal
Mandatory units
3
Scientific and Mathematical Applications for Construction
Internal
11
4
6
7
8
Sustainability in Construction
Optional Specialist units
Construction Processes and Operations
Exploring Carpentry and Joinery Principles and Techniques
Exploring Brickwork and Blockwork Principles and Techniques
Exploring Painting and Decorating Principles and Techniques
External (Exam)
Internal
Internal
Internal
Internal
Each unit within the qualification has specified assessment and grading criteria, which are to be used for
grading purposes. A summative Level 2 unit grade can be awarded at Pass, Merit, Distinction or
Distinction Star. Students will be made fully aware of the assessment criteria for each unit.
How can parents support?
Years 10-11
Information on the theory tasks will be given to the students and when
intervention is needed, letters will be sent home to support the completion of
work with parental input. Wider research into topics through television
programmes such as Grand Designs will always be beneficial to add clarity to
the theoretical tasks and why certain technologies and trade applications are
used.
Subject Leader Mr D Oliver
Email Address doliver@oakspark.redbridge.sch.uk