Last updated: 06 Sep 2007

In an advanced global economy, human activity and economic growth are dependent upon the built environment. It impacts upon everybody's life and creates the infrastructure in which we live, work and spend leisure time.

Learners will be able to explore and engage critically with the impact of construction and the built environment on the use of natural resources and the environment in which we live.

They will progressively build up an understanding of the physical extent and the significance of the built environment, and of the activities that shape, develop and influence it.

Learners will address the key issues relating to sustainability in the design, creation, value and use of the built environment.

Young people will identify the key features of the industry structure in relation to career and employment opportunities.

The Diploma can be linked with the learning in citizenship, which is part of the national curriculum at key stage 4. For example, the Diploma engages learners in considering the principles and practices of sustainable development, which build on the concept of responsibility and the actions citizens can take to sustain the environment.