Construction

Course content includes: Whitecard WHS, use carpentry tools and equipment, prepare surfaces, assemble components, read and interpret plans, handle construction materials, use bricklaying and block materials, handle wall and floor tiling materials, use construction equipment and tools, use plastering tools and equipment, work safely at heights.

See below for full list of competencies associated with this AQF qualification delivered in partnership with TAFE SA.

Design Technology (Construction) is an internally assessed course embracing a series of industry unit standard qualifications, as well as related assignments and skills. The project themes are designed to encourage students to make plans and decisions, analyse solutions and critique their work. The course suits those students intending to pursue a career in the building and construction trades. This subject is part of the Year 12 pre-apprenticeship program.

Students apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world task, event, learning opportunity, or context, which leads to a specific purpose, product, or outcome. The subject draws links between aspects of students’ lives and their learning. Students develop and demonstrate their collaboration, teamwork, and self-awareness, and evaluate their learning. This subject is part of the Year 12 pre-apprenticeship program.

Our literacy program prepares students to communicate effectively within the workplace. This subject provides students with skills required to enhance their oral and written skills. Students learn techniques to improve their employment opportunities, their ability to work in a team and their effectiveness to communicate with customers and clients. Areas such as the planning and writing of job applications, procedures when writing curriculum vitae and the appropriate use of email and other electronic communications are also studied in this course.

Our numeracy program enables students to develop the mathematical skills necessary to ensure their success and is both practical and theoretical in nature. Students study units of measurement, measuring devices, length, perimeter, area and volume. These units also include components in costing, quoting and scale drawing. These units are fundamental to the success of all students completing a trade and give students a clear understanding of the relevance between mathematics and their chosen career pathway.

In the Research Project, students have the opportunity to study an area of interest in depth. They use their creativity and initiative, while developing the research and presentation skills they will need in further study or work.

This subject prepares students in gaining a scientific understanding of why selected materials are used within the building industry. Students gain knowledge of the insulative properties of selected materials, understand the techniques used to strengthen building materials and investigate the properties of both natural and processed building materials. Students are introduced to the tools used in industry and the science behind their operation. This is a practical course where many aspects of the students learning are obtained through hands on experience.

The Skills for Life program provides students with meaningful and positive experiences as part of the College’s Catholic community. It aims to develop students knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the dignity of the human person, living in relationship and the nature of freedom and responsibility. It helps students to recognise how they can impact and make a difference in their community and to develop skills and values in relation to what is meaningful and significant to their lives.

In Workplace Practices students develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the nature, type and structure of the workplace. They learn about the value of unpaid work to society, future trends in the world of work, workers' rights and responsibilities and career planning. Our extensive Work Experience program is a key component of this subject allowing students to develop and reflect on their capabilities, interests, and aspirations.