Timber

What is Timber Elective?

The Year 8 Timber Elective course is a practical, hands-on subject for students who want to explore and expand their skills and knowledge of timber and furniture construction. The course covers a variety of projects from tool-making to box-making to furniture design and making. Each project is chosen to highlight particular jointing methods, processes, machinery and tools. Students will also learn to read cutting lists, interpret drawings and understand material selection.

The fundamental aim of the course is to instill and teach perseverance, resilience, concentration, self-reliance and problem-solving through practical, timber-based projects. Rich and meaningful learning occurs when students have the opportunity to practically apply their knowledge, utilising their hands to discover and further explore what they know.

Students will learn how to measure, mark out and cut timber while also practicing how to focus, how to follow linear processes, how to problem solve when something doesn’t go to plan. Yr 8 Timber Elective is fun and practical and engaging but is also an excellent vehicle for wider learning.

Why Should I Choose this Subject?

Year 8 Timber Elective is an exciting and engaging course which offers a well-rounded introduction to timber construction and joint-making. The course is an excellent foundation for stage 5 Industrial Technology Timber but also serves as a general opportunity for students to design and construct and use their hands to explore ideas and learn new skills.

When and how am I assessed?

Students are assessed through the practical projects they undertake. Assessment looks at the skill and processes utilised, the quality of the construction and the quality of the finishing of the project.

What projects will I undertake?

Students will undertake between 3 and 5 projects in a year, depending on the duration of each unit of work. The projects are designed to introduce students to a wide range of processes, skills and tools but to also allow students to practice and build on what they have learnt in a previous project. Projects include box-making, small furniture items such as stools and tool-making.