Blackpool Skills Academy

Brickwork Curriculum Overview

39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression

A career in brickwork

See where practical skills can lead

Brickwork can provide a route into skilled employment, apprenticeships and opportunities across the construction industry.

Meet Andrew, a professional bricklayer who has travelled around the UK using the skills he developed through the trade.

Watch Andrew’s story and discover what working as a bricklayer can involve.

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

Building Walls

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 Brick Types 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 Mortar Mixing Follow instructions Measure 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

Learning to Lay

Weeks 7 to 12
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
7 Trowel Skills Construct with support Construct accurately Work independently Compare effectiveness Select appropriate use
8 Quality Inspection Construct with support Construct accurately Work independently Compare joint types Adapt for purpose
9 English and Flemish Bond Follow plans Interpret dimensions Apply independently Evaluate design Modify designs
10 Corners and Returns Follow sequence Apply skills Build independently Solve problems Lead project tasks
11 Openings and Piers Complete task Improve quality Produce accurate work Evaluate quality Achieve professional finish
12 Brickwork Practical Assessment Demonstrate skills Apply skills consistently Work independently Evaluate outcomes Present project

Spring 1

Building Walls

Weeks 13 to 18
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
13 Decorative Brickwork Identify materials Explain properties Select materials Compare materials Evaluate suitability
14 Line, Level and Plumb Identify tools Select tools Use safely Justify selection Support others
15 Half Brick Walls Follow the build sequence Measure accurately Build independently Analyse consistency Evaluate outcomes
16 Solid Wall Construction Follow technique Apply technique Work independently Improve quality Demonstrate mastery
17 Openings and Corners Identify errors Correct errors Maintain alignment Evaluate quality Apply quality assurance
18 Quality Inspection Construct pattern Apply consistently Build independently Compare methods Justify selection

Spring 2

Professional Brickwork

Weeks 19 to 24
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
19 Decorative Brickwork Follow measurements Mark accurately Set out independently Evaluate layout Plan projects
20 Quality Inspection Construction Build with support Build accurately Build independently Evaluate quality Improve performance
21 Brick Matching Follow process Maintain level Build consistently Analyse strength Recommend improvements
22 Customer Specification Apply finishing Improve appearance Produce quality finish Evaluate standards Achieve professional finish
23 Brickwork Project Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead project delivery
24 Professional Brickwork Assessment Demonstrate skills Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate outcomes Present project

Summer 1

Construction Site Skills

Weeks 25 to 30
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
25 Estimating Materials Identify materials Calculate basic quantities Estimate independently Check calculations Evaluate cost and waste
26 Reading Construction Drawings Follow simple drawings Interpret dimensions Apply drawings independently Evaluate accuracy Adapt plans appropriately
27 Site Communication Identify key information Communicate clearly Apply workplace communication Resolve misunderstandings Lead team communication
28 Working Safely on Site Follow procedures Apply consistently Work safely independently Evaluate risks Improve site safety
29 Employer Expectations Identify expectations Demonstrate appropriate behaviours Work reliably Evaluate performance Model professional standards
30 Preparing for Apprenticeships Identify progression routes Prepare evidence Apply employability skills Analyse strengths Plan next steps

Summer 2

Brickwork Enterprise Project

Weeks 31 to 39
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
31 Client Brief Follow plan Contribute ideas Create plan Evaluate options Lead planning
32 Corners and Returns Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead activities
33 Openings and Piers Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead activities
34 Build Project Complete tasks Apply skills Work independently Solve problems Lead activities
35 Quality Inspection Complete work Improve quality Produce accurate work Evaluate standards Achieve professional finish
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 brickwork 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 increasingly demanding brickwork projects, students develop confidence, resilience, accuracy, problem-solving skills and an understanding of construction careers.

Health and safety, quality assurance, professional behaviour and employability are embedded throughout. Students are prepared for apprenticeships, further education and employment within brickwork and the wider construction industry.