Practical Woodworking

The National 5 Practical Woodworking course provides opportunities for candidates to gain a range of theoretical and practical woodworking skills relating to tools and equipment, working predominantly in the workshop. They develop skills in reading and interpreting working drawings building an understanding of health and safety.

The course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. Theory lessons build their knowledge of processes and materials. It engages candidates with technologies, allowing them to consider the impact that practical technologies have on our environment and society.

Staff

Mrs. A. McCabe, Design & Technology (Faculty Head)

Mr. J. Murray, Design & Technology (Principal Teacher of STEM Initiatives)

Mr. A. Eunson, Design & Technology

Curriculum

National 5

This course will build a range of practical skills which encourages independent learning to both read instructions and diagrams and produce artefacts.  It is an ideal preparation for the workplace and as a pre-apprenticeship programme for skilled trades such as Joinery and the Construction Industry and other manufacturing industries, owing to the precise nature of the skill set.

Learning Experiences

It is largely workshop based, providing a broad introduction to practical woodworking.  You will study three units of work – flat-frame construction, carcase construction and machining and finishing. Learning of flat-frame construction, pupils will build skills in the use of woodworking tools and in making woodworking joints and assemblies commonly used in flat-frame joinery projects such as shoe racks or mirror frames. In carcase construction, you will explore the techniques and skills needed to manufacture carcase construction projects such as bathroom shelf units or box framed clocks. In machining you will build skills in the use of common machine and power tools, such as the woodturning lathe or mortise drill, to manufacture an artefact such as a table lamp or tool trays. You will learn the proper processes involved in finishing your project, in achieving a smooth sanded finish and applying an oil or varnish finish. You will achieve this through the use of a range of woodworking tools, equipment and materials safely as well as learning to read and interpret technical drawings.

Alongside this, there is an element of written theory that reinforces that which is taught in the workshop, ensuring you have a good knowledge of tool names and parts, understand the differences between hardwood, softwood and manufactured board while also understand how to maintain tools and machines in safe working condition.

Life and Work

This course is a broad-based qualification, suitable for learners with an interest in practical and working environments. It is largely learner-centred, includes practical and experiential learning opportunities and is suitable for those wanting to progress onto further levels of study or related careers or apprenticeships.

Resources

https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47462.html – – a useful resource to help prepare for the course and revise for examinations.

https://www.designclass.co.uk/n5woodwork.html – – a useful resource to help prepare for the course and revise for examinations.