Practical Metalworking with Personal Development – National 4,5 & Higher

Purpose and Aims

The National 5 Practical Metalworking course provides opportunities for candidates to gain a range of theoretical and practical metalworking 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:

 metalworking techniques

 measuring and marking out metal sections and sheet materials

 safe working practices in workshop environments

 practical creativity and problem-solving skills

 sustainability issues in a practical metalworking context

Personal Developments Skills Development:

 develop knowledge of strengths and development needs through self-evaluation and review

 develop self-reliance, self-esteem and confidence through supported and independent learning

 develop practical abilities

 develop task management and interpersonal skills

 have an opportunity to maximise potential

 demonstrate and recognise achievement

Levels Offered

This Subject will be offered at National 5 levels: Pupils should experience within Technical department, as this is a progression route from Practical Woodworking skills.

Course Outline

Pupils will develop their metalwork craft skills through the following outcomes:

Metalworking Units:

Unit 1 – Bench Skills using a wide variety of hand tools including forgework

Unit 2 – Machine Processes using CNC/ manual lathes and milling machines

Unit 3 – Fabrication and Thermal Joining using MIG and electric arc welding

Personal Development Unit:

Unit 4 – Self-Awareness: In this unit students will aim to build confidence and self-esteem through self-evaluation of their own qualities, feelings, achievements and areas of development, whilst undertaking a group project.

Unit 5- Self and Community: In this unit students will aim to improve their self-reliance and confidence. They will develop their interpersonal skills as they work with others to participate in a group project in the context of one or more communities.

Unit 6 – Practical Abilities: In this unit students will aim to improve their self-reliance and confidence by demonstrating their practical abilities while participating in one or more projects.

The above units consist of a series of practical exercises and models designed to build student skill and confidence. On completion of all 3 course units students will manufacture a final course assessment project.

Course Assessment Structure

National 5 – 6 internally assessed unit equating to 36 SCQF points

Progression

Pupils may also use this qualification to progress onto other practical technology subjects and further education training. Practical Metalworking is invaluable for students who wish to pursue a practical vocation or have an interest in developing practical skills that will be used in later life. It teaches skills and confidence in using tools, machinery and fabrication processes while learning how to work safely. Students learn how to work independently and also as team members during their time in the workshop environment.