Practical Woodworking
National 4/ National 5
Course Overview
The National 5 Practical Woodworking course provides opportunities for pupils to gain a range of theoretical and practical woodworking skills relating to tools, equipment, processes and materials. They also develop skills in reading and interpreting working drawings and related documents as well as an understanding of health and safety. The course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. It engages candidates with technologies, allowing them to consider the impact that practical technologies have on our environment and society. Through this, they develop skills, knowledge and understanding of:
woodworking techniques
measuring and marking out timber sections and sheet materials
safe working practices in workshop environments
practical creativity and problem-solving skills
sustainability issues in a practical woodworking context
Pupils will work through 3 tasks which will develop the knowledge and skills required to successfully pass 3 mandatory units enabling them to start the assignment. The projects are:
Flat-frame construction: Pupils develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the use of woodworking tools and in making woodworking joints and assemblies commonly used in flat-frame joinery, involving complex features. Pupils will develop their ability to read and use drawings and diagrams depicting both familiar and unfamiliar woodwork tasks
Carcase construction: Pupils develop skills, knowledge and understanding in the use of woodworking tools and in making woodworking joints and assemblies commonly used in carcase construction, involving complex features. This may include working with manufactured board or with frames and panels. Pupils will use working drawings or diagrams in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts that require some interpretation on their part.
Machining and finishing: Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding in using machine and power tools. Candidates also develop skills in a variety of woodworking surface preparations and finishing techniques
Faculty Principal Teacher
Mr L Ball
Assessment Methods
NATIONAL 4 - pupils will complete 3 Unit assessments based around the 3 areas of study and an Added Value Unit, Making a Finished Product from Wood (N4). This work is assessed by the class teacher and verified by school staff and/or SQA visiting verifiers.
NATIONAL 5 – pupils will complete assessment tasks throughout the course to ensure they are making appropriate progress. This course is assessed by a Question Paper worth 30% of the course award, is part of the SQA diet of exams and marked externally. The Practical Activity worth 70% of the course assessment is completed in class in an extended period of time under supervision of the class teacher. The Practical Activity is set by the SQA and marked by school staff in line with SQA marking instructions and subject to verification by other staff and/or SQA visiting verifiers.
Learning and Teaching
Learning in this course should be primarily hands-on and experiential. Activities used within the course will stimulate pupils’ interest and develop skills and knowledge to ensure success. Whole class demonstration is an important part of the learning and teaching and will be followed up by sessions with individual pupils or small groups. Group work is a fundamental aspect of working in practical technologies.
Progression Pathway
Pupils achieving a pass at N4 level could consider moving on to study for N5 Practical Woodworking. Those achieving a pass at N5 will find it useful for entering employment in craft-based industries or moving on to further studies through a College course.