Blackpool Skills Academy

Construction – Joinery, Plastering & Decorating Curriculum Overview

39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression

Explore construction careers

Discover where practical construction skills can lead

Construction offers a wide range of career opportunities. These videos introduce students to work in joinery, plastering and decorating, showing how practical skills, accuracy, creativity and professional behaviour can support progression into apprenticeships, further education and employment.

Construction career

Joinery

Discover how skilled joiners measure, manufacture, assemble and install timber products for homes, businesses and larger construction projects.

Watch the video to explore a career in joinery.

Construction career

Plastering & Decorating

Explore how plasterers and decorators prepare surfaces and use specialist techniques to produce smooth, accurate and professional finishes.

Watch the video to explore plastering and decorating careers.

01

Our curriculum model

How the spiral curriculum works

All students study the same construction concepts and practical activities.

Progression is achieved through increasing:

  • Health and safety
  • Accuracy
  • Technical skill
  • Independence
  • Problem solving
  • Quality assurance
  • Industry readiness

Students work at the stage appropriate to their current attainment and progress through increasingly demanding practical and theoretical tasks within each curriculum area.

02

The learning journey

Progression Through Stages

1

Stage 1

Observe and Follow

Supported learning

Teacher-led
2

Stage 2

Practise and Apply

Guided learning

Shared responsibility
3

Stage 3

Work Independently

Independent application

Independent responsibility
4

Stage 4

Select and Justify

Critical thinking

Problem solving
5

Stage 5

Design and Lead

Industry readiness

Leadership and mentoring
03

The 39 week programme

Curriculum Overview

Autumn 1

Workshop Ready

Weeks 1 to 6
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
1 Workshop Induction and Health and Safety Identify hazards Follow safety procedures Work safely independently Evaluate risks Promote safe practice
2 Tools and Equipment Identify tools Select tools correctly Use tools safely Justify tool choice Train others
3 Timber and Materials Identify materials Describe properties Select suitable materials Compare materials Evaluate suitability
4 Measuring and Marking Out Measure with support Measure accurately Mark out independently Identify errors Apply quality control
5 Cutting Techniques Follow instructions Cut accurately Maintain consistency Improve technique Demonstrate mastery
6 Accuracy, Control and Quality Assurance Complete tasks Improve accuracy Evaluate work Recommend improvements Mentor others

Autumn 2

Joinery Fundamentals

Weeks 7 to 12
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
7 Butt Joint Construct with support Construct accurately Work independently Compare effectiveness Select appropriate use
8 Lap Joint Construct with support Construct accurately Work independently Compare joint types Adapt for purpose
9 Reading Plans and Designs Follow plans Interpret dimensions Apply independently Evaluate design Modify designs
10 Planning Materials and Costing Follow sequence Apply skills Plan independently Solve problems Lead project tasks
11 Multi-Trade Construction Project Complete task Improve quality Produce accurate work Evaluate quality Achieve professional finish
12 Joinery Assessment Project Demonstrate skills Apply skills consistently Work independently Evaluate outcomes Present project

Spring 1

Surface Preparation & Plastering

Weeks 13 to 18
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
13 Introduction to Plastering Identify materials Explain properties Select materials Compare materials Evaluate suitability
14 Preparing Surfaces Identify tools Select tools Use tools safely Justify selection Support others
15 Mixing Materials Follow instructions Measure accurately Mix independently Analyse consistency Evaluate outcomes
16 Applying Plaster Follow technique Apply technique Work independently Improve quality Demonstrate mastery
17 Repair Work Identify errors Correct errors Complete repairs independently Evaluate quality Apply quality assurance
18 Skimming and Finishing Follow the process Apply consistently Work independently Compare methods Justify selection

Spring 2

Painting & Decorating

Weeks 19 to 24
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
19 Preparing Decorative Surfaces Follow instructions Prepare surfaces accurately Work independently Evaluate preparation Plan the work
20 Preparing and Finishing Surfaces Prepare with support Prepare accurately Work independently Evaluate quality Improve performance
21 Cutting In Follow process Maintain control Apply consistently Analyse accuracy Recommend improvements
22 Wallpaper Preparation Follow instructions Improve appearance Produce a quality finish Evaluate standards Achieve a professional finish
23 Decorative Finishes Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead project delivery
24 Painting and Decorating Assessment Demonstrate skills Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate outcomes Present project

Summer 1

Professional Construction Skills

Weeks 25 to 30
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
25 Measuring Distance and Length Identify measuring tools Measure accurately Apply techniques independently Identify inaccuracies Evaluate and improve accuracy
26 Problem Solving in Construction Follow a given process Apply problem-solving techniques Resolve practical issues Evaluate possible solutions Select and justify solutions
27 Understanding Workplace Responsibilities Identify responsibilities Explain workplace expectations Apply responsibilities independently Analyse workplace issues Promote professional standards
28 Time Management on Site Follow a timetable Complete tasks within guidance Manage time independently Evaluate efficiency Improve team productivity
29 Communication and Teamwork Follow instructions Contribute to team activities Communicate clearly Evaluate team performance Lead and support others
30 Customer Service and Professional Behaviour Identify expected behaviours Communicate appropriately Apply professional behaviours Analyse customer needs Model excellent customer service

Summer 2

Construction Enterprise

Weeks 31 to 39
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
31 Working to a Client Brief Follow plan Contribute ideas Create a plan Evaluate options Lead planning
32 Planning Materials and Costing Identify materials Calculate basic requirements Plan independently Evaluate costs and waste Lead project planning
33 Multi-Trade Construction Project Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead activities
34 Site Quality Inspection Follow an inspection process Identify quality issues Inspect work independently Evaluate standards Lead quality assurance
35 Portfolio and Employability Gather evidence Organise evidence Present work accurately Evaluate strengths Present professional evidence
36 Project Quality Assurance Describe work Explain outcomes Evaluate strengths Recommend improvements Present findings
37 Industry Skills and Employability Identify expectations Demonstrate behaviours Apply workplace skills Evaluate performance Mentor others
38 Portfolio and Progress Review Gather evidence Organise evidence Reflect on progress Evaluate development Present portfolio
39 Final Assessment and Celebration Demonstrate learning Apply skills Work independently Evaluate journey Showcase achievement
04

What progress looks like

Progression Expectations

1

Stage 1

  • Follow instructions safely.
  • Identify tools, materials and processes.
  • Complete practical tasks with support.
2

Stage 2

  • Apply practical skills with guidance.
  • Work accurately and safely.
  • Demonstrate growing confidence.
3

Stage 3

  • Work independently.
  • Produce consistent practical outcomes.
  • Evaluate own work.
4

Stage 4

  • Select appropriate techniques and materials.
  • Solve practical problems.
  • Justify decisions and evaluate quality.
5

Stage 5

  • Demonstrate industry readiness.
  • Plan and lead practical tasks.
  • Support and mentor others.
  • Produce work approaching professional standards.

The purpose of the programme

Curriculum Intent

Students develop practical construction skills, technical knowledge and employability behaviours through a structured programme of workshop-based learning.

The curriculum provides progression from supported participation to independent, industry-focused performance. Through joinery, plastering, painting, decorating and multi-trade projects, students develop confidence, resilience, accuracy and problem-solving skills.

Students learn to work safely, interpret instructions, select appropriate tools and materials, meet quality standards and respond to client requirements. Professional behaviour, communication, teamwork and quality assurance are embedded throughout the programme.

The curriculum prepares students for apprenticeships, further education and employment across the construction industry.