May 14th 2011
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AT C.C.S.S.
(By Michael Peterkin)

Building Technology is one of the many technical subjects offered by the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, the number one technical and vocational institution on the island. It encompasses the principles of construction projects with topics such as Preliminary Site Works and Setting Out, Construction Materials, Foundations, Roofs, Walls, Introduction to Computers, Career Opportunities, and Floors etc. At C.C.S.S. the program is offered for a three year duration spanning from Form three to five. Coupled with its sister subject Technical Drawing, students are encouraged to also pursue Physics, Chemistry, Information Technology and Geography.

A student who has successfully gained passes at the C.X.C. level at these subjects along side English Language and Mathematics can gain acceptance to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to complete a diploma or an associate’s degree in Architecture, Construction Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Building Trades. Graduates may continue to enhance their education by enrolling at a university or enter the world of work. Careers which span from Building Technology include contractor, architect, quantity surveyor, estimator, interior decorator, engineer, surveyor, building maintenance engineer, teacher, site agent, clerk of works etc.

It must be noted Building Technology is most successful subject at the C.X.C. level at the Castries Comprehensive School for the past fifteen (15) years. It boasts of being the only subject that has consistently gained a 55% pass rate as GRADE I.

It has also been the only subject that did not registered a Grade III as a pass from 2003 to 2009. In 2005 Building Technology set a school record when all sixteen (16) students receiving a GRADE I pass. These students pursued the program from Form's 3 to 5.

The School Based Assessment (S.B.A.) is an integral part of the C.X.C. program and represents forty percent (40%) of the final grade. Students are expected to produce a portfolio based on Introduction to Computers, Career Opportunities and Safety, Health and Welfare. The second part of the portfolio is a practical assignment. Students are to construct a project; prepare bills of quantities, working drawings and steps and procedures.

This year's group of 27 students concentrated their efforts on lunch tables with the assistance of their two teachers. Presently three lunch tables are for sale at a negotiable price of $ 1000.00 per unit. Interested persons can contact C.C.S.S. at 452- 4728 / 453-6388 or visit the school.
Building Technology at the Castries Comprehensive Secondary school continues to strive for excellence.

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