Technology Wood Department
The school has two fully equipped workshop facilities catering to Junior and Senior Technology Wood classes.
The department teaches traditional woodworking skills at all levels and uses the BCATS units of work at Year 11, 12 and 13 as assessment for NCEA.
We offer option programmes at Year 9 through to Year 13 catering for students who enjoy the opportunity to make practical projects in a structured and friendly learning environment.
Year 9
Year 9 students can select Technology Wood as a half year option that is broken up into three practical projects with supporting theory work. The course introduces students to basic and fundamental woodworking skills and techniques. Students will learn how to use and maintain a variety of hand tools, how to plan and quality check work as well as health and safety issues.
Year 10
The Year 10 course is a half year option with students building upon their prior learning in a workshop setting within two practical projects. Students will complete practical tasks that cover a range of wood working joints. Theory components of the course will introduce students to the properties of timber as well as the safe use of hand tools, and health and safety issues. Students will be introduced to the safe use and maintenance of limited portable power tools.
Year 11 Joinery - Level One
The Year 11 Technology Joinery course draws on prior learning as students undertake a range of Unit Standards delivered through the BCATS programme. Students are introduced to fixed machinery and power tools. The practical project undertaken focuses on industry related processes, materials and settings.
Year 12 Joinery - Level Two
At Year 12 we offer Level 2 Technology Joinery delivered through BCATS units of work. Year 12 Joinery is a one period option for students who are interested in using these skills as a career pathway. Students will be introduced to fixed machinery through the manufacturing of an individual project and will also partake in a group project. Year 11 Joinery must be satisfactorily completed as a prerequisite for both Joinery and Construction acceptance.
Year 12 Construction – Level Two
The Year 12 Construction programme has a single and a double period option delivered through BCATS units of work. Students will be made to problem-solve, work as part of a team and work with integrity throughout the course. The practical projects undertaken can vary from full classroom builds to pergolas and even dog kennels.
Year 13 Construction – Level Three
The Year 13 Construction programme is a student led teacher guided course. Students will be guided through the construction of a medium to large scale practical project. The student will look at, in more depth, the processes and undertakings of a trades-based practical project.
Year 13 Joinery – Level Three
Year 13 Joinery is a progression course from Year 12 Joinery. Students will be teacher guided through the complete manufacturing process of their own individual practical project and group project, from ordering materials through to quality control. Students will be made to think accurately and analytically, throughout both practical and theory aspects of the course.
Year 12 Joinery and/or Construction must be satisfactorily completed as a prerequisite for Year 13 Construction or Joinery.
There is the opportunity for students to study for the BCITO Level 3 National Certificate in Carpentry theory units of work. These are the first stages in an apprenticeship in carpentry and can be taken in conjunction with the schools Gateway programme.