At Castle Hill High School, the Construction course is a popular subject in years 11 and 12. The course provides students with the opportunities to develop relevant technical, practical, personal and organisational skills valued both within and beyond the workplace.
Students also acquire the underpinning knowledge and skills related to work, and develop employability skills such as communication and teamwork, which are vitally important in today's workforce.
Today a diverse range of occupations exists across the construction industry, such as carpenters, joiners, builders, electricians, bricklayers, painters and decorators, landscapers and plumbers to name just a few. The vocational and interpersonal competencies studied along with the required Work placement, can lead to suitable employment and further training within the construction industry and assist students to make a more informed career choice.
Construction gives students a dual qualification at the end of year 12. Students have the opportunity to gain credit towards the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) and credit towards national vocational qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Giving practical experiences with a construction industry flavor is the main focus of class work. Practice using tools and equipment, both in and out of the classroom, aid student development and understanding of construction processes. Assessment tasks also extend knowledge and industry experience. The school also benefits from the study of construction, as students build products used by all school members. Currently the year 11 students construct the sets for the school musical and also the picnic tables placed throughout the school grounds. Year 12 concentrates on the larger project of constructing the Pergola, giving shade and protection to fellow students.
Work placement is a mandatory aspect of the Construction course. Students are required to complete a total of 70 hours work within the construction industry, This gives valuable experiences that cannot be gained elsewhere. Students are expected to be mature, responsible, and have a want to work attitude and in the construction industry.
