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CCEA GCSE Exemplifying Examination Performance

Construction and the Built EnvironmentThis is an exemplification of candidates’ performance in GCSE examinations (Summer 2019)to support the teaching and learning of the Construction and the Built Environment specification.

GCSE

CCEA EXEMPLIFYING EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE

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EXEMPLIFYING EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE

GCSE Construction and the Built Environment

Introduction

These materials illustrate aspects of performance from the 2019 summer GCSE examination series of CCEA’s revised GCSE Specification in 2017.

Students’ grade A responses are reproduced verbatim and accompanied by commentaries written by senior examiners. The commentaries draw attention to the strengths of the students’ responses and indicate, where appropriate, deficiencies and how improvements could be made.

It is intended that the materials should provide a benchmark of candidate performance and help teachers and students to raise standards.

For further details of our support package, please visit our website at www.ccea.org.uk

Best wishes

Crea McCormick

Education Manager, Construction and the Built Environment

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 028 9026 1200 ext.

http://www.ccea.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

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GCSE: Construction and the Built Environment

Grade: A Exemplar

Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment

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3


Answer all questions

Q1 List three of the main roles that the following construction employees would have when working on a construction site containing 48 houses and 12 apartments. The total cost of the construction project is 7 million pounds. The houses are constructed using cavity wall construction with an outer skin of red facing brick. Reinforced concrete heads are used on the inner skin with galvanised steel lintels on the outer skin.

Q1a Site manager [3]

Student’s response

1. Order materials (e.g) red facing brick). 2. Bill of Quantities. 3. In charge of men working on site.

Examiner’s comments

The site manager will order materials for the dwellings and supervise construction operations on site, however they won’t produce a Bill of Quantities as this is the role of the Quantity Surveyor.

Q1b Bricklayer [3]


1. Laying the 1st row of brick with DPM 2. Mix Mortar 3. Lay concrete leads


The brick layer will build the sub-structure, mix mortar and place the concrete heads in place.

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Q1c Plumber [3]


1. Lay down water (copper pipes ) 2. install Radiators 3. fix and repair pipes.


The Plumber will carry out first fix plumbing work (install copper water pipes), install second fix plumbing (radiators) and will fix and repair pipes.

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Q2 Residential accommodation requires many different types of buildings that must be specifically designed to meet the client’s brief. Identify the types of residential accommodation shown in this question and briefly state the distinguishing characteristics of each.


1. The type of dwellings shown in Fig. 1 are: [1] Terraced

2. Two distinguishing characteristics of this type of dwelling are: [2] A lot of people Living under one roof. Each has their own separate Front door, + back.


Terrace house, occupied by different tenants under one roof. It also has separate doors.

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Q2b


1. The type of dwellings shown in Fig. 2 are: [1] Semi – detached dwelling

2. Two distinguishing characteristics of this type of dwelling are: [2] Two families living under one roof. Each have a separate front door and back door.


Semi-detached house, two families living under one roof (divided in two). Each house have a separate front and rear door.

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Q2c


1. The type of residential accommodation shown in Fig. 3 is: [1] Apartments / flats

2. Two distinguishing characteristics of this type of accommodation are: [2] Lots of separate dwellings under one roof. Each tenant controls one of the apartments on a floor.


Apartments or flats, multiple dwellings under one roof. Each tenant can own one of the apartments on a floor.

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Q2d


1. The type of dwelling illustrated in Fig. 4 is: [1] Detached dwelling.

2. Two distinguishing characteristics of this type of dwelling are: [2] No other dwelling is connected to it . Only one family control / live in the dwelling.


Detached dwelling, not connected to any other dwelling and can accommodate one family.

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Q3 What do the letters COSHH stand for? [4] Complete the blanks below to show your understanding.


Q3a ConTrol of Ssubtances Hazardous to Health


Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

Q3b List three of the most common risks on construction sites that can result in fatal accidents.


1. Getting hit by plant machinery [1] 2. Getting hit by falling debris [1] 3. Falling of scaffolding [1]


All three responses are stated in the mark scheme; Being hit by construction vehicles, being hit by something falling and falling from scaffolding.

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Q3c Under The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 describe four duties of the employee on any construction site.


1. Regard health + safety of other Workers. [1] 2. Don’t mis-use or vandalise equipment. [1] 3. Follow all health + safety regulations on site. [1] 4. Report damaged tools to site employees. [1]


Two of the responses state the same: take care, not to put themselves or other people at risk. The other two responses are stated in the mark scheme; not misuse or interfere with anything that is provided for their health and safety and reporting of damaged tools as these could inflict injury or death.

Q3d Welfare facilities must be provided by an employer to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. List three examples:


1. Sanitation [1] 2. Drinking Water [1] 3. Eating Area, provided which is safe [1]


The three responses are stated in the mark scheme.

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Q4 Fig. 5 shows a sectional view for a Portal Framed Structure to be used for a farm building.

Q4a Other than steel, name two common materials from which a Portal Frame is normally manufactured.


1. Timbre [1] 2. Concrete [1]


The two responses are stated in the mark scheme.

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Q4b List the two most common methods used to join a steel framed structure.


1. Steel Bolts [1] 2. Welding [1]


The two responses are stated in the mark scheme.

Q4c Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a steel Portal Framed Structure for a large span agricultural building. The farmer has requested the structural engineer to provide a building with flexibility relating to future internal layout. [8]


One of the advantages of Portal frame construction, is it provides a large unobstructed floor space. Portal frame is quick and easy to erect making it, a time saving build. Portal frame comes pre-fabricated therefore The weather can’t slow down the construction process. Portal frame can be made air-tight and water proofed in a short space of time. Disadvantages of Portal frame construction is the fact that it’s not very fire resistant Therefore bends easily when hot. Portal fame construction is prone to corrosion from The weather elements.


Up to four marks are awarded for the advantages and disadvantages. The remaining four marks are for the quality of written communication. The five advantages/disadvantages are stated on the mark scheme: 1. Large unobstructed floor space 2. Speed and ease of erection, therefore saving time 3. Framework prefabricated in a workshop and not affected by weather 4. Poor resistance to fire as it bends easily when hot 5. Subject to corrosion The level of accuracy for spelling, punctuation and grammar is excellent. The advantages and disadvantages have been discussed coherently using a wide range of specialist terms.

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Q5 The Royal Institute of British Architects’ Plan of Work (RIBA POW) simplifies the complete construction cycle into stages.

Q5a In which year was the most recent RIBA POW published? [1]


No response.


No marks awarded as answer blank.

Q5b How many stages are in this Plan of Work? [1]


There are 8 stages in the RIBA.


8 stages.

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Q5c Describe three things that occur at each of the following stages of this cycle.


1. Preparation and Brief [3] Prepare meeting with the Architect + client. Discuss the clients needs. Discuss location of the dwelling.

2. Concept Design [3] What materials will be needed to construct the dwelling. What interior and exterior features the dwelling will have. Rough idea of what, time frame The building will be created at.

3. Developed Design [3] Finalising the final plans for the dwelling. The development of the proposal.

4. Technical Design [3] The design of The dwelling on blueprint. All interior measurements and scale of proposed dwelling. Where electric, + water pipes will be taken into the dwelling.


1. Preparation and Brief. The answer has stated the project leader (architect) and has stated the first communication method (meeting). A further mark has been awarded for the discussion that will take place: the client’s needs and site location.

2. Concept Design. Three marks awarded for outline plans which includes decisions about material choice and architectural style. Consideration would be given to the time scale and completion date at this stage.

3. The final plans would be produced at the next stage. The answer should state how the proposal would be developed.

4. Technical Design. One mark has been awarded for the design which includes measurements taken from a scale drawing. A second mark has been awarded for building service considerations.

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Q6 The character of the construction industry is such that it can be divided into three main activities. State each of these three activities and describe each one giving an example.

Q6a


Building Domestic Construction [1] The construction of, social, residential, accommodation and dwellings for domestic living. [2]

Q6b


Community Construction [1] The building of public buildings such, Hospitals, Schools, Libraries etc [2]

Q6c


Transport infrastructure [1] The construction of Roads, and bridges. The construction of The rail network and out Transport Systems. [2]


One mark has been awarded for building and a second for the explanation/example. A further two marks could have been awarded for transport infrastructure and the example stated as this relates to civil engineering.

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Q7 Timber framed construction is commonly used as a modern method of construction for social, semi-detached domestic housing in the United Kingdom. Much emphasis is put on the thermal insulation of such properties as enforced by the Building Regulations.

Q7a Describe the term Platform Frame as used in timber framed construction. [2]


Platform frame is when they build platforms, and he Timbre frame is Then connected to the platform frame, during the construction process.


One mark has been awarded for stating the stories are built in platforms.

Q7b Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using timber framed construction for social, semi-detached domestic housing. [8]


One of the advantages of using timbre framed construction, is That it is built in the ware house, therefore weather does not effect The Construction progress. Timbre frame construction, is quick and easy To erect therefore, saving time on The construction process. Timbre framed construction uses semi-skilled labour which decrease, The money paided out for skilled labourers. Timbre framed construction can be easily modified (i.e) – you can easily add on extensions to the Timbre Frame dwellings. Timbre is a good insulator, Therefore cheaper fuel costs when heating The dwelling. A disadvantage of timbre frame, is That it’s not very fire resistant.


Up to four marks have been awarded for the advantages and disadvantages. The remaining four marks are for the quality of written communication. The six advantages/disadvantages are stated on the mark scheme: 1 Manufacture is not affected by inclement weather 2 Speed of erection on site, therefore time saving. 3 Timber framed construction allows for the use of semi-skilled labour, therefore

cost savings 4 Flexible and easy to modify / add to. 5 Higher levels of insulation, therefore energy savings 6 Greater fear of combustibility The level of accuracy for spelling, punctuation and grammar is excellent. The advantages and disadvantages have been discussed coherently using a wide range of specialist terms.

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GCSE: Construction and the Built Environment

Grade: A Exemplar

Unit 2: Sustainable Construction

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19


Answer all questions

Q1 Label the pre-release side elevation drawing shown in Fig. 1 below using some of the following terms: Roofing felt Ridge Fascia board Barge board Purlin Front door Downpipe Tiling battens Soffit First floor window Chimney Roof tiles Patio doors Quoin stones Door steps Gutter Ground floor window Write the correct answer in the box provided. [10]


Fig. 1

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Question 1 required the candidate to label ten elements of the house construction shown in the side elevation of the pre-release material. The candidate got nine of the possible ten labels correct. The candidate labeled the barge board incorrectly calling it fascia board. The examining team was positive allowing for a mark for either fascia board or gutter as it was not clear where the arrow actually came to.

Q2 Using the attached pre-release material, give the following internal room dimensions in millimetres. Some dimensions may need to be scaled.

Q2a The length and width of the Lounge. [2]


Length 4000 mm Width 3900 mm


The length (4000mm) and width (3900mm) were read directly from the pre-release material. (1 mark for each correct dimension)

Q2b The length of the Hall. [1]


Length 5900 mm


The length of the hall was also read from the pre-release material. (1 mark for the correct answer)

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Q2c The length and width of the Kitchen/Dining area. [4]


Length 7000 mm Width 4000 mm


The Length and width of the kitchen/Dining area had to be scaled by the candidate from the pre-release material. The candidate received four marks. (2 marks for each correct dimension as the dimensions were scaled) A scaled dimension is always worth 2 marks and 1 mark for a dimension read directly from a drawing)

Q2d The overall length of the house along the Front Elevation. [2]


Length 22600 mm


The candidate did not receive any marks for this question as the incorrect measurement was given. This question was worth 2 marks as it was a scaled dimension.

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Q2e Ignoring the sanitary fittings, calculate the total floor area of the first floor bathroom. Show the working out of your answer. [3]


82 x 40 3280 square metres


The candidates did not receive any marks for this question either as the area was not calculated accurately. The candidate should first measure the length of the boundary walls in mm and convert these lengths to metres. Marks were awarded up to 3 as follows: 4m x 2m = 8 square meters (1 mark) 1.1m x 1.1m 1.21 square metres (1 mark) Total 6.79 square metres (1 mark)

Q2f How many 900 mm wide windows are in the first floor of the house shown in the pre-release material? [2]


6 [2]


The candidate achieved full marks for this question.

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Q3 Demonstrate your understanding of the following terms and give an example of each to support your answer:

Q3a Green Belt [2]


An area round the outskirts of a town/city where there are no buildings or developments. It’s a green field area. E.g. Outside Killyclougher


It was possible to get 10 marks for this question, 2 for each of the 5 sections. One mark to demonstrate understanding and one additional mark for an appropriate example. Two marks were awarded for this question with the candidate stating that a Green Belt was “An area around the outskirts of a town /city where there is no building” (1 mark) An appropriate example was also provided (outside Killyclougher) (1 mark)

Q3b Conservation Area [2]


A protected area where houses will never be built and its nice to visit. It’s ecofiendly. E.g Central Park NY.


The candidate was awarded (1mark) stating that a conservation area is a protected area where houses will never be built but no marks were awarded for the example.

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Q3c Recycling [2]


When left over materials are reused or remade into something else that useful. E.g. Milk bottles are remelted so they can be reused.


Two marks were awarded for this question as the candidate clearly demonstrated an understanding of recycling and gave an appropriate example.

Q3d Retrofit [2]


When an old building is renovated So it fits in with the surroundings. But the structure isn’t changed. E.g: Primark in Belfast in undergoing a retrofit.


This question was not well answered on many papers although this candidate did demonstrate an understanding of what retrofit is and reinforced their answer by giving the example of Primark in Belfast to achieve 2 marks

Q3e Damp Proof Membrane [2]


A layer of plastic that is placed over the subfloor or placed beside where a wall meets a window. To Stop dampness getting in. E.g. The black layer you see above the subfloor before the screen is put down.


The last element of this question also achieved full marks with a clear understanding of what a DPM is and the candidate also stated correctly where it would be found in a floor.

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Q4 Complete a cutting list for the table shown in Fig. 2 below.

The cost of the materials to be used in your table is shown below. The cost of: 50 mm square section tulipwood timber is £5.46 per linear metre. Top long rails 120 mm ×18 mm planed all round (PAR) tulipwood timber

is £4.59 per linear metre. Top short rails 120 mm ×18 mm planed all round (PAR) tulipwood timber

is £4.59 per linear metre. Bottom rails 50 mm ×18 mm planed all round (PAR) tulipwood timber

is £2.97 per linear metre. Ash faced 18 mm thick MDF costs £42 for a sheet measuring 2440 mm × 1220 mm. You will be able to cut 6 table tops from one sheet of MDF. Mortice and Tenon joints are used to join the rails of the table to the legs. Remember to allow 30 mm each end of the rails for cutting out the Tenon Joints.

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Student’s response Ite

m

Part

Qua

ntity

Des

crip

tion

of m

ater

ial

requ

ired

Leng

th in

mm

Wid

th in

mm

Thic

knes

s in

m

m

Tota

l len

gth

requ

ired

Tota

l cos

t

1

Legs

4 Tulipwood 450 50 50 1.8 m £10.92 [1]

2

Long

Top

R

ails

2 Tulipwood 610 120 18 1.22m [5]

3

Shor

t Top

R

ails

2 Tulipwood 420 120 18 0.84 [5]

4

Shor

t Bo

ttom

R

ails

2 Tulipwood 420 50 18 0.84 [5]

5

Tabl

e To

p

1 Ash Faced MDF

810 520 1.8

6 table tops

from one sheet

42/6 [4]

Total cost of glue, connection blocks, varnish etc £4.00

Total cost of table £40.4 [2] Fig. 3


Cutting List 1 mark was awarded for each shaded box completed correctly up to a maximum of 22 marks and 2 additional marks for getting the total cost of the table correct. Marks were awarded for correct follow through calculations. The candidate did not get any marks for the legs as the total cost was incorrect. The dimensions were correct for items 2, 3 and 4 although the total cost was not calculated correctly. As a result the candidate lost 1 mark for each item. The candidate was awarded full marks for item 5. Finally the candidate also achieved the full 2 marks for the overall total as the marks were correct using the follow through method.

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Q5a List six of the main functions of the external hardwood door construction used in the house shown in the pre-release material. [6]


1. Privacy 2. Keep heat in (insulation) 3. Let sun light in 4. Stability 5. Strength 6. Asthetically pleasing


The candidate answered this question correctly by providing a list of six main functions of a hardwood door.

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Building regulations require that the external walls of a domestic house are insulated.

Q5b List two suitable insulation materials used for external walls. [2]


1. Foil back sheet insulation 2. Insulation foam


In this section the candidate also correctly listed two insulation materials.

Q5c Discuss one benefit of insulating the external walls. [2]


Stops the heat escaping and stops the moisture getting in.


The last element of this question was worth 2 marks. The candidate achieved one mark for the statement “stop heat escaping” another mark was also achieved when referring to “stop dampness getting into the building.

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Q6 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energies to heat the home shown in the pre-release material. You should include, but not give a definition for, the following points in your answer: [10] Cost Performance Reliability Quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer.


If a wind turbine was installed it would be very expensive and also only reliable when its windy. A turbine also creates noise pollution and people think they are eye sores so this is a disadvantage. Geothermal could be used but its very expensive to install and set up. It also requires a large amount of good ground. It would only be reliable in summer months because the ground will be cold the rest of the year. The other option would be solar panels and have the house south facing. These aren’t very expensive and they can be installed easily. Solar panels are reliable but only during the day because they need the Suns rays to operate their electric. Tidal could also work if their was a river near by where electric could be generated using the water. This is reliable because there will always be water running in the river.


The candidate has constructed the answer using some of the following points as set out in the mark scheme.

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Wind turbines were the primary focus considering their location in Northern Ireland as having a fairly reliable source of wind. The candidate also spoke about the reliability of wind. The candidate also gained marks by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of geothermal and solar with south facing panels. Water turbines were also considered as an option if a river was available close to the location of the house. The candidate was awarded a Level 3 -10 “Level 3 ([8]–[10]) Candidates demonstrate an excellent evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energies to heat the home shown in the pre-release material. They evaluate all of the following: - cost, performance and reliability in an excellent form and style of writing. Their evaluation is coherent and very well organised in all cases and they use a good range of specialist terms. The quality of written communication is excellent” The candidate was awarded a level 3 with a mark of 10 for this question.

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Q7 Fig. 4 shows a photograph of a solid brick wall one brick thick with no Damp Proof Course.

Explain why this type of construction would not be considered suitable for the external wall of the house shown in the pre-release material if it were to be constructed to current Building Regulations. [10] As part of your answer you should consider: Damp penetration Energy conservation


It wouldn’t be considered as there caulty wall which will stop dampness and moisture getting in. if its only one brick thick then there wont be insulation and a lot of heat will escape. The dpc stops dampness entering and without this the dampness will get in and the inner house may because damaged. In the pre release home it’s a 100mm block then 150mm caulty and 100mm outer block so if this was a single one brick wall a massive amount of heat would be lost. Modern houses try save energy but this one would be expensive to keep as the heat would need to nearly be on 24/7. The SAP of this house would be very low and it wouldn’t be a good buy.

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The candidate clearly brought out the following point and gained one mark for each point.

• is a solid brick wall constructed with no cavity. • has no damp proof course in the wall. • has no insulation in wall. • has no barrier to prevent the passage of damp from through the wall.

The candidate also said that this type of wall would not be considered suitable under current Building Regulation Standards as the wall did not have a cavity. One additional mark was awarded for fully explaining the context of a solid brick wall when compared with the functionality of a cavity wall. Another mark was awarded for explaining the importance of insulation in a wall.

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Q8 Fig. 5 shows an incomplete foundation detail which is to be used for the house shown in the pre-release material.

Q8a When completing your drawing add the following: The cavity Damp Proof Membrane Sand and cement screed [3]

Draw in hatch patterns to represent the following: Hardcore Foundation concrete Sand and cement screed Inner skin of block work Outer skin of block work Cavity insulation Floor insulation [7]

Q8b Include labels from the list below: Foundation concrete Outer skin of block work Inner skin of block work Inner plaster with skim finish Damp Proof Course (DPC) Skirting board Floor insulation Hardcore Cavity insulation Subfloor concrete [10]

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Fig. 5

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The candidate achieved 3 marks for completing their drawing and adding the following: The cavity/Damp Proof Membrane/Sand and cement screed.

Six marks out of a possible seven were awarded for completing the following: Hatch patterns Hardcore Foundation Concrete Inner skin of block work Outer skin of block work Cavity Insulation Floor Insulation The candidate could have achieved one additional mark by completing the hatch pattern representing the sand and cement screed.

(b) The following 10 labels were added accurately to the section drawing achieving 10 additional marks for the candidate. Floor insulation Subfloor concrete Damp Proof Course (DPC) Skirting board Hardcore Insulation Foundation concrete Outer skin of block work Inner skin of block work Inner plaster with skim finish

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Q8c Analyse the foundation detail you have completed in Fig. 5 and explain how energy performance has been improved when compared with a typical solid concrete floor which would have been used 100 years ago. [4]


There has been insulation placed down to trap heat in the building and stop it escaping. DPC has been now placed down to stop moisture getting into the building. Sub floors are used as another way to prevent heat escaping and moisture entering. 100 years ago DPC wouldn’t of been used to prevent moisture and insulation wouldn’t of been used on the ground.


Section (c) was also very well answered by the candidate analysing the foundation detail and stating that insulation was incorporated into the floor structure which was not present 100 years ago. The candidate also wrote about the importance of the DPC when compared with methods used in previous decades.

Q9 The construction industry has a large impact on society and the generation of wealth. This is particularly true for large scale construction projects like schools, sporting arenas and infrastructure projects. Evaluate the impact of a new 20 million pound school under the following headings: [10] Construction as a stimulus for the economy. Providing opportunities for training apprentices, the unemployed and student placement. Long term benefits of a new school to the community. Quality of written communication will be assessed in your answer.


If a 20 million pound school was being built there would be work for all the small sub contractors in the area. It would also create lots of opportunities for good trainies or young people doing apprentiships. Also it gives all the unemployed an opportunity to have a job close to home so they dont have to travel. In the long run a School would create jobs for teachers, cleaners, cooks etc. This would leave people knowing the will have a good stable job that they can rely on. A new school will bring new familys so new houses will be needed and this will give trades men more reliable work. It will bring new people to the community So it will continue to grow in population. Overall it will increase population, money income and help the local economy become better.

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The candidate considered construction as a stimulus for the economy by creating employment opportunities for local sub-contractors and for local tradesmen. The candidate also considered income for the general area surrounding the new school costing twenty million pounds. The candidate also identified providing training for apprentices and those who are unemployed. It was also identified that long term benefits would be realised by jobs being created for teachers and other school staff. The candidate also suggested that new homes would be required for those employed in the school. Over all a mark of Level 2 with a mark of 7 has been awarded for this question. A mark of seven can be awarded as the candidate has demonstrated a satisfactory evaluation of the impact the construction industry has on society during and after the construction of a school costing £20 million pounds. They evaluate construction as a stimulus for the economy. The candidate also described how the provision of a new school in the community would have many benefits. Their evaluation is coherent, organised and made use of a range of specialist terms. The quality of written communication is good.

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