In 2003, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) approved the idea of piloting a GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment.

Awarding Bodies were invited to submit proposals for developing the qualification. We are now working closely with two bodies, Edexcel and City & Guilds, who are further developing proposals.

As part of this process, we have been consulting closely with a Stakeholder Group, including representatives from industry, schools and colleges and AssetSkills.

SummitSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the electrotechnical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing industries, has also joined in helping to develop the qualification.

The introduction of a GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment will provide young people at Key Stage 4 (or sooner) with the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding about construction and the built environment as well as developing capability in some of the skills used.

For those keen to pursue a career in the industry, the qualification will enable them to develop and apply practical, technical and communication skills as a foundation for future learning and progression. It will offer an important progression route into the industry.

Progression could be to an As/A2 qualification in Construction and the Built Environment for a related area, to a NVQ entry or diploma, into a Modern Apprenticeship, or to higher education following further study.

Key milestones

Pilot – September 2005

For the first two years, the GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment will be a ‘pilot’ GCSE (inline with QCA protocol). This means that initially a maximum of 50 centres (schools & colleges) can offer the qualification. Throughout the delivery of the pilot, assessment and content of the GCSE will be monitored and evaluated before approval can be received for its roll-out nationally.

Qualification specification

Introduction to the Built Environment

• Definition of the Built environment.
• How the cycle of construction works.
• Investigating the structure of the industry and the diversity of job roles and responsibilities within construction and the built environment.
• Contributing of the built environment to the economy and/or society.

Technology and design in the built environment

• Health and safety considerations and requirements.
• Main technologies in the built environment.
• Implications of design technology in construction and the built environment.
• Impact of financial considerations on design and technology.

Construction principles, processes and resources

• A broad understanding of principles and processes applicable to a chosen specialist area.
• Utilising materials appropriately and safely.
• Selection, safe use and care of appropriate tools and equipment.

Sustainability and the built environment

• Interactions between the built and the natural environment.
• Efficient use of resources and minimisation of waste and related industry and business implications.
• Sustainable construction methods.