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Edexcel BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment
Course Handbook 2016 - 2017
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Welcome
Campus telephone number: 0845 155 2020
#gcconstruction
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Aim of the Handbook
Welcome to the Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment
We hope you will find your time of study both challenging and enjoyable. This handbook is in addition to the College Student Handbook and is for course specific information.
Our higher education aims are based on the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ):
You will develop a sound understanding of the principles in construction and the built environment and will learn to apply those principles more widely.
You will learn to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. Your studies will have a vocational orientation, which will enable you to perform effectively in the construction and built environment sector.
As a holder of a level 4 (FHEQ) qualification you will have the qualities necessary for employment in situations requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.
FHEQLevel Qualification
6 Bachelors degrees5 HND and Foundation degree4 HNC and Certificate of HE
Purpose
This handbook aims to:
•introduce you to important course information;
•highlight the opportunity for you to develop skills and offer links to resources;
•be used as a signpost for further information, which may be stored on our virtual learning environment (VLE) or though hyperlinks to useful websites.
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Name of final award: HNC in Construction
FHEQ: level 4
QAA Subject Benchmark: Level 4
Qualification Benchmark: HNC Level
GC Course Code: HNCCON14-Y1
Date of programme specification: July 2010Date of Review: June 2015
Programme accredited by: EdexcelTeaching Institution: Gloucestershire CollegeProgramme duration: 2 yearsNumber of modules: 8Programme leader: Craig Bloxsome
Entry criteria
UCAS Points: 140
Mature candidates with relevant experience may be offered a place upon successful interview
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Nationally recognised academic standards“Public confidence in academic standards requires public understanding of the achievements represented by higher education qualifications”. (HEFCE, 2009)
The FHEQ provide important benchmarks of reference for level 4 (HNC) study:
•knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of construction and civil engineering, and of the way in which those principles have developed;
•ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context;
•knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in construction and civil engineering and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study.
• an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.
Typically, holders of a HNC will be able to:
• use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis;
• effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively;
• undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations.
And holders will have:
• the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.
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How to find us
Walking from rail and bus station (0.8 miles)
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How to find us
Driving and parking in Quays Outlet car park
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General InformationAccommodationThe Gloucestershire College Accommodation Office is based in Student Services at the Cheltenham Campus.This service is available to all students who need help finding accommodation or who have any other accommodation issues. Drop in or telephone 01242 532007 (24-hour voicemail).
CareersGloucestershire College has a team of qualified Careers Advisors based in Cheltenham and Gloucester who offer 1:1 confidential and free careers interviews to help you plan your next career move.The Careers Room at Cheltenham is located in Student Services, close to the Reception area. At Gloucester Docks, it is located in Room B010A, near to Student Services. To book an appointment:e-mail the Careers Team: [email protected] telephone Student Services on 0845 155 2020
ChaplaincyA Faith area is available on both main sites for your use, this is open to people of all faiths. The Cheltenham Chaplaincy is resourced by churches within Cheltenham. A team of chaplains from Gloucester City centre churches resource the
Gloucester Chaplaincy. You can discuss personal and communal issues with students and staff or get involved in tutorial and discussion groups on a wide range of ethical issues. Please see the college student handbook for further details, availability.
ChildcareGloucestershire College has two day nurseries and a crèche, which service all sites and provide facilities for children aged three months to five years. This service is open to students, staff and private clients. Our nurseries are staffed by qualified, dedicated people, providing a safe, secure and happy environmentfor your children. Primary school children can be accommodated on in-service days, during half term holidays and after school. Play schemes are provided at the Cheltenham and Gloucester Campuses in the main school holidays for children aged 4 years to 11 years.
Confidential counsellingGloucestershire College Counselling Service is a free, confidential service available for everyone in the College. It offers an opportunity to talk about personal difficulties in a private setting.
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Settling inGloucestershire College offers you a wide range of help and support and it is worth while finding out about the range of opportunities associated with such a large college.
Student ServicesThe student support department of Gloucestershire College will introduce themselves and let you know how to get help with any aspect of student life including: •Counselling;•accommodation advice;•financial advice;•study skills.
Extra help is available from student services representatives who will be happy to give info about the many activities, services and social opportunities available at Gloucestershire College. See your generic Gloucestershire College Student Handbook for more details.
Student AgreementThis agreement is to help you and your tutor understand your roles within the College to ensure you gain maximum benefit from your time with us. Gloucestershire College aims to provide you with a welcoming and caring environment, offering appropriate education in response to your needs as an individual learner.
InductionDuring induction we will guide you through the most important aspects of being a student, including:
•course programme outline;•personal tutor allocation;•college student handbook;•student agreement;•health and safety;•Student Council opportunities;•enrolment and ID cards;•initial assessment, advice and guidance;•expectations of Higher Education study;•finding your way around;•timetables;•learning agreement;•student services: accommodation advice, financial advice;•student support: counselling, study skills;•role of Learning Links•IT induction and introduction to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE);•meet the teaching team.
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Your responsibilitiesAs a student, you are expected to:
•accept responsibility for your own learning with the support of your tutor;•complete all work required to a satisfactory standard, submitted within agreed deadlines;•attend all time tabled classes punctually and regularly and account for any absences to your tutor;•treat College equipment and accommodation with respect;•recognise that other students are also here to learn and respect their opinions and beliefs;•comply with the college rules and regulations;•accept any reasonable action taken by the College if you do not fulfil these requirements;•adhere to the College Equal Opportunities Policy;•discuss your progress with your parents / guardians / employers where appropriate;•feedback and engage in college improvement surveys;•participate in Student Council activities;•encourage leadership of enrichment activities;•participate in your course buddy system;•sign a student learning agreement;•complete National Student Survey (NSS) in final year of your course;
Self Directed Study (SDS)To complete the assessment and unit outcomes you are advised to take advantage of the College facilities outside the taught sessions. These are known as self directed study sessions (SDS).
It is recommended that you study, using your manuals or online tutorials, the subject areas currently being taught.It is recommended that you use the libraries to continue your assessment research and ideas generation.
LatenessPunctuality is an essential part of working. You should endeavour to always be on time – that meansready to start working at the start time, not just arriving. If you are repeatedly late this will become a disciplinary issue.
Attendance As with punctuality, attendance is an important part of proving yourself to be reliable. Flexibility & reliability are two of the most important aspects to being successful within industry. If you drop below target attendance, in line with college policy, there will be possible financial penalties.
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Be responsible for yourself Arrive on time and aim for 100% attendanceAchieve the best results that you canAlways have an outstanding attitude to learningDemonstrate good conduct at all timesHand in excellent work on timeWear correct uniform (if appropriate)Wear your ID badge
Be responsible for others Allow others to learn to the best of their abilityGive respect to allTake an active part in Student Voice to improve GC for allShow respect for others views even if they are different from your own.
Be responsible for the environment Take care of our buildingBe an ambassador in the community for GCRecycle paper and whatever you canFollow the rules in different areas
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How to be a successful* student at Gloucestershire College Our most successful students demonstrate these personality traits:
They have ‘grit’: the most successful students have a determination and never give up on any task.
They practice: the most successful students know that they must practice a lot to be ready for assessment. A boxer would say ‘train hard to fight easy’.
They enjoy helping others: the most successful know that by helping others you help yourself.
They finish everything: the most successful students know that in order to attain the best outcome, everything must be finished.
They experiment: and take risks. Sometimes these risks don’t work but that’s OK because…
They learn from failure: the most successful learners take critical feedback and learn from it
They are accountable for themselves: they take responsibility for their actions and do not apportion blame.
They are honest: both with themselves and with others
They present solutions: and not problems.
They are critical of their own performance: they look back and say ‘what could I have done better’
They ask questions: and then ask more questions.
They set high standards for themselves: and they care about achieving those standards.
They reflect on their performance: they look back and ask ‘what went well?’ and ‘what did not go well?’
They make ‘To Do’ lists: and they track their performance.
They present themselves and their work in a professional manner: because they understand the value of professionalism.
*successful is not defined by ‘highest grade’ in this instance. It is people who have done well at college and gone on to be successful in their ‘life and career’.
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Introducing the team…
Head of School Mr. Michael Lawson [email protected]
Curriculum Leader Mr. Craig Bloxsome MCIOB
[email protected] 01452 563365
Course Tutor Mr. Gordon Tolmie [email protected] 01452 563365
Course Tutor Mrs. Debbie Copeland MRICS
[email protected] 01452 563365
Course Tutor Mr. John Boone [email protected] 01452 563365
Course Tutor Mr. Peter Gore ICIOB [email protected] 01452 563365
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Communication with staff
Lesson timeYour main contact with teaching staff will be in timetabled sessions each week. If you have concerns or queries about your study then this is the time to voice them. Teaching staff will set aside adequate time within a session for 1:1 queries.
EmailIf your academic queries cannot be answered in a timetabled session you should then email the teaching staff for that subject. The teaching staff will get back to you within three working days. You can also telephone staff if needed but email is the preferred method of communication.
We will send regular emails through the college email system. You will receive a college login after you enrol.
We recommend that you check your emails a minimum of every working day if you are on a full-time course and every two days if you are on a part-time course
You can access your email from home by going to www.gloscol.ac.uk homepage and clicking on the ‘login’ link which will then allow you to access your email. From here you use your student number and password to access your emails.
Telephone or postWe may also contact you via the telephone or via post when required. We will use the details you provide at enrolment.
Should you need to change these details, you can do so by contacting student services.
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Timetables
If you need another copy then please speak to your course leader
Insert your timetable in here
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Term Dates
Always refer to the college calendar that is availablevia the college website for term dates.
This can be found at www.gloscol.ac.uk
The website is also updated to inform the students of closure days if they occur.
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Membership of professional bodies
There are a number of professional bodies and institutions that we recommend that you consider joining during your studies.
The most popular with construction students are:
•The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)•The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)•The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)•The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Membership of these bodies will help you with your professional profile and increase your prospects in the future.
More information about joining at student level can be found on the institutions websites. In addition, your tutors will be able to give you advice and guidance about how to join.
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Assessment guidelinesAccreditation of prior learning (APL)APL is recognition of achievement from a range of activities gained prior to enrolling on this programme. APL will only be possible where learning is shown to be appropriate to the outcomes of the relevant modules or awards and has been achieved through valid methods.
Initial assessmentThe initial assessment process aims to gather information from a range of different sources to help you achieve your career goals and aspirations through successfully completing your programme.
Assessment tasksAssessment tasks will emphasise active and reflective learning at level 4 on the FHEQ. You will be given clear and full information at the outset of the programme on the nature, timing and general criteria of assessment.
Assessment submission
Assessments are usually uploaded to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the unit(s) that you are studying. Assessments can also be submitted by hand. If you are in any doubt about how to do either method, please ask the subject tutor in the first instance.
All assessments will be due on a Friday at 15.30 unless specifically stated otherwise.
Internal verification of assessmentStandards and quality of assessment will be monitored by the appointed internal verifier for your programme according to the Gloucestershire College Internal Verification policy. This will ensure reliability, validity and authenticity.
FeedbackFeedback on your assessments will be written on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Feedback should be timely, supportive and identify areas for improvement and progression. This is as an integral part of the assessment process.
External examinerAn external examiner will review a sample of marked assessments to ensure reliable, valid and fair assessment has been conducted.
Exam boardAll assessment grades that have been internally awarded will be confirmed at the ‘Examination Board’ meetings.
Assessment appealsThe college has a full assessment appeals policy that can be viewed on the intranet.
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Assessment ExtensionAn Assessment Extension Request (AE) form must always be used when you have a situation that will prevent assessed coursework being presented at the stipulated date and time.
These forms are available to complete online for each assessment.
You need to complete the AE form prior to the assessment deadline.
Students who are deemed to have abused the Assessment Extension Request process will lose this privilege and may have extensions refused.
Gloucestershire College Policy is clear on assessment submission (POL 02 12.4), it states that:
“All student assessments must be submitted by the deadlines specified on the published assessment schedule.
Any assessments submitted after the deadline without an extension request (AE Form) will not be marked and the student will be deemed to have failed the assessment.”
Your request will be presented to the Head of School who will consider your request provided that you have communicated in good time about the mitigating circumstance and in advance of hand-in date of the assessment .
The following reasons are not considered to be mitigating circumstances:
•Minor illness e.g. cold, headache, flu, sore throat unless severe and prolonged. A medical certificate will be required.•Transport problems•Computer problems e.g. loss of disk / virus•Time management•Other assessments taking priority •Work commitments •Holidays•Software issues
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Assessment Schedule
Assessment submission dates are also on the VLE.
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Assessment Submission Guidance• All assessments must be completed and submitted within the submission window.
This is the date and time shown on the VLE.• 'Uploading' is not the same as 'submitting'. You can upload a file at any time that
can be edited. When you 'submit' you can no longer edit your submission. It is then your final submission that the assessor will grade.
• If an extension is required then this must be requested before or during the submission window. Extension requests received after the submission window will only be considered if there are mitigating circumstances such as serious illness or hospitalisation. The student will be asked to provide evidence of these mitigating circumstances.
• You must work independently on the assessment.• There is only one submission of evidence for each assessment. • Only a 'lead internal verifier' can authorise a resubmission of any assessment. Your
tutor will tell you who this person is.
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• You do not have a right to a resubmission of the assessment.• You may be granted a resubmission opportunity as long as:
– you have met initial deadlines, or met an agreed deadline extension. If you do not submit within the submission window then you will not be allowed an opportunity to resubmit
– your tutor judges that you will be able to provide improved evidence without any further guidance.– the evidence has been authenticated by both yourself and your assessor. This means that the
evidence that you have submitted has not been plagiarised.
• Please upload one document, preferably in a PDF format, unless otherwise directed.• Please include a front sheet for all submissions. This should include your name,
student number, the date, course details and unit details. An example of this was emailed to you at the beginning of the course.
• All grades will be released at the same time.• Any resubmissions that have been granted must be completed and resubmitted
within the new date set on the VLE.• You must resubmit the assessment in its entirety, not just the part that required
resubmission.• It is your responsibility to check your grade and resubmission date. • If you wish to formally appeal an assessment decision then please notify your
course leader.
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Presentation of assessed work
• Assessed work must be presented to a professional level standard. This is true whether is submitted digitally or physically.
• It must have a fully completed front sheet.• It must be legible.• Citations and images must be referenced.• Drawn diagrams must be clear and annotated.• Digital submissions must be in a format that is in common use. If in doubt, you
must ask your lecturer before submission.• Any physical submission must be in an appropriately sized folder – not a plastic
pocket.• Submissions in A3 size must be folded neatly and correctly.• Drawings must contain a completed title box.
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PlagiarismCheating is a serious offence and takes many forms including:-
•Plagiarism – passing off the work of someone else as if it is your own.•Collusion – working closely with someone else to produce an assignment that is meant to be the work of an individual.
The College deals severely with students who cheat and penalties extend to suspension and withdrawal for a second, or particularly serious first attempt.
In order to avoid an allegation of cheating make sure that you follow the guidance you will have been given on conventions for referencing and for use of quotations. If you are in any doubt, check with your tutors who will be happy to advise you.
Any student suspected of cheating (i.e. deceiving intentionally to gain unfair advantage, for example through the use of non-permitted materials in examinations or copying another students work and attempting to present it as one’s own), or plagiarism (i.e. using ideas, work or words of another person/s as if they were one’s own without giving credit to the source using the approved method of citation), may have their case presented to a Disciplinary Panel.
Be sure that any phrases, sentences (even part sentences) that appear in your assessments are either your words or if the words of others that they are referenced appropriately. Failure to do so could be construed as plagiarism with serious consequences.
Students should be aware of the seriousness of these acts, and the vigilance with which the college endeavours to enforce the Assessment Submission Policy.
‘Turnitin’ is plagiarism detection software that will be used to check submissions.
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Assessment GradingEach unit that you study has a number of assessments.
Each assessment contains a number of tasks that you must complete.
Assessments are graded as:
•Fail – the submission has failed•Refer – the submission has not yet met the assessment requirements•Working towards Pass – the submission has met the assessment requirements•Working towards Merit – the submission has met the assessment requirements and includes merit level grade descriptors (see right)•Working towards Distinction – the submission has met the assessment requirements and includes merit and distinction level grade descriptors (see right).
Please be aware that merit and distinction grade descriptors can be awarded in any of the assessments.
Indicative guidance as to how these grade descriptors could be achieved in each unit is available on the VLE page for each unit.
Unit GradingUnits are graded when all of the assessments for that unit are complete.
Units are graded as:
•Fail – the unit has been failed•Pass – all of the assessment requirements have been met•Merit – the assessment requirements have been met, in addition each of the following grade descriptors have also been successfully demonstrated:
• M1 - Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions
• M2 - Select/design and apply appropriate methods/techniques
• M3 - Present and communicate appropriate findings
•Distinction – the assessment requirements have been met, each of the grade descriptors for merit have been met and each of the following grade descriptors have also been successfully demonstrated:
• D1 - Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions
• D2 - Take responsibility for managing and organising activities
• D3 - Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative thinking
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Essentials for Higher Education StudyStudying requires a great deal of effort on your part and the time you spend in reading, researching and producing assessments will be much greater than the time spent in teaching sessions. Here are a few essentials for effective study:
Manage your timeIt is very important to organise and plan your assignments so that you don’t leave everything to the last minute. Use your college diary, VLE calendar and time between lessons to study as this is not meant to be recreational time.
Regard all lessons as essential You will be given information that is vital if you are to correctly complete assessments. Do not regard attendance as optional, if you do this you are on the road to failure. Embrace Harvard Referencing This is a professional expectation that all sources are referenced correctly.
Practise critical analysisYou need to be able to evaluate different types of evidence, based on an understanding of how your data has been collected, interpreted and presented.
Exam skillsExam skills need to be developed if you are to progress to a third year at university.
Utilise the VLEThe VLE is used to support your learning experience and communicate with you. It is essential in developing you as an independent and interdependent learner.
Before submission of an assessment please ensure you have done the following:
•number pages and tasks and include a front page.•Add a contents page where appropriate. •Put your student number on each page;•all assessments must be word processed unless stated otherwise in the assessment brief using Arial font point 12, with double line spacing;•Any citations must be referenced using the Harvard style and include a bibliography.•check you have not plagiarised.
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Academic WritingThe process of academic writing
Research – primary and secondary sources
Plan – list, organise, outline or mindmap
Write a draft – take time to write a number of drafts, with revisions, based on further reading and reflection
Peer review – review by ‘critical friend’
Edit and proof read – formatting, spelling, punctuation and references
Submit assessment
Adapted from (Stella Cottrell, 2003)
Helpful hints:
Write clearly and concisely: •Try to avoid long, awkward sentences that risk losing the interest of the reader;
•Avoid a showy display of ‘jargon’ to hide a poorly structured assessment.
Understand the structure of paragraphs•A paragraph tends to develop a single idea, a series of which forms an essay.
Leave out needless words•Try to avoid phrases such as ‘It can be seen at this point of the enquiry that...’.
Include a reference list in all assessments
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Glossary of TermsAnalyse - Study in depth, identifying and deciding the detail in main characteristics
Appraise – consider positive and negative points and give reasoned judgement
Assess – Make judgement on the importance of something – similar to evaluate
Compare – look for qualities or characteristics that resemble each other. Emphasise similarities and be aware of differences
Contrast – Stress the differences between the items in question and don’t ignore points of similarity
Define – Give concise and clear meanings without too much detail
Discuss – Examine and analyse carefully, giving reasons for advantages and disadvantages. Consider all sides of the issue and reach a balanced conclusion
Evaluate – examine closely, measure strengths and weaknesses, points for and against, in conclusion state your judgement clearly
Explain – clarify, interpret and spell out the material you present. Give reasons for important features and try to analyse causes
Justify – Prove, give reasons for decisions and conclusions, use evidence to convince reader.
List – write an itemised series of simple statements
Outline - provide a framework description under main points and sub points, leave out minor detail. Stress the arrangement of material
Review – examine subject critically, analysing and commenting on the important points and stages of development.
Summarise – give the main points or facts in condenses form, omitting details and illustrations
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Essential Reading List
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• Bland, J . Statistics for Construction Learners . (Construction Press, 1985)
• Fink, A and Kosecoff, J . How to Conduct Surveys . (Sage, 1998)
• Howard, K and Sharp, J . The Management of a Learner Research Project 3rd Edition . (Gower Aldershot, 1996)
• Norton, P and Allinson, L . Asking Research Questions. (University of Humberside,1994)
• Health and Safety Commission . A Guide to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Health and Safety Commission . Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
• Health and Safety Commission . Successful Health and Safety Management
Please see course specification for reading list of specialist units.
Suggested Further Reading List• Ashworth, A . Pre-Contract Studies: Development Economics, Estimating and Tendering. (Longman, 1996)
• Everett, A. Materials 5th Edition. (Longman, 1994)
• McMullan, R. Environmental Science in Building 5th Edition (Palgrave, 2001)�• Everett, A. Materials 5th Edition. (Longman, 1994)
• McMullan, R. Environmental Science in Building 5th Edition. (Palgrave, 2001)
• Ashworth, A . Pre-Contract Studies: Development Economics, Tendering and Estimating. (Longman, 1996)
• Cooke, B and Williams, P . Construction Planning, Programming and Control . (Macmillan, 1997)
• Fryer, B . The Practice of Construction Management . (Blackwell, 1997)
• Harvey, R and Ashworth, A . The Construction Industry of Great Britain . (Oxford,1997)
• Lavendar, S . Management for the Construction Industry . (Addison Wesley Longman,1996)
• Oxley, R and Poskitt, J . Management Techniques Applied to the Construction Industry. (Blackwell Science, 1997)•Willis, A. & Trench, W.; Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying, 10th edition, Blackwell Science.
•Hore, A.V. et al, Construction 1 Management, Finance, Measurement. MacMillian.
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The UWE Construction Information Website
As a Gloucestershire College Construction student you have access to the University of the West of England's Construction Information Website. Details of how to access this are on the Gloucestershire College VLE, or can be requested from Craig Bloxsome.
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