Subject: Practical Woodworking
National 4/5
Course Descriptor
All products which a consumer purchases have to be manufactured and many of the services we depend on rely on the practical and creative ability of those who carry them out. This course is of a practical nature, it is workshop based and will contribute to the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of candidates whose aspirations and abilities are towards practical work or those who want to add the interest and diversity of a practical craft element to their overall course.
The course consists of 4 units:
- Bench Skills 1: Wood Flat Frame Construction
Candidates will learn to use and maintain a range of common hand tools and be involved in setting out and making a range of basic joints that are commonly used in the production of flat frame joinery fabrications and structures. Marking out the component parts in accordance with working drawings assembling the component parts, such that joint gaps and overall sizes are within specified tolerance.
- Bench Skills 2: Wood Carcass Construction
Candidates will learn how to set out and make a range of basic joints that could be used in a wide range of carcass joinery construction. Being able to confirm that woodworking tools and equipment are in good condition before, during and after use. Adjusting tools, where necessary and follow safe working practices. The participant then constructs a carcass product using 4 or more joints from a working drawing.
- Machining and Finishing: Wood
Candidates will learn to set up and use a range of common machine and power tools in accordance with safe working practices. They will also select materials and finishes appropriate for tasks. They will prepare and apply surface finishes in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and good practice, free from significant blemish.
Value added unit
- The value added unit has been designed to allow candidates to demonstrate the application of the skills and knowledge at the appropriate level from the three Units in the Course — Flat-frame Construction, Carcase Construction, and Machining and Finishing — to produce a finished product to a given standard in wood. Candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate practical creativity in the shaping of both the turned parts
The Work of the Course
In class most work is of a practical nature.
Assessment
Artefacts manufactured during the course are internally assessed. However, the major assessment is of a single artefact which incorporates the knowledge, skills and techniques learned through the course. This is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Final Grade: Coursework 70% External Exam 30% (No exam at National 4 level)
Possible progression to a wide range of college, building, craft and manufacture courses and apprenticeships.