JCE Woodwork study plan

JCE Woodwork · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Woodwork

Identify and label the main hand tools used in woodwork (saws, chisels, planes, marking tools) and state the purpose of each
Explain the safe use and storage of hand tools, including sharpening and maintenance routines
Distinguish between hardwoods and softwoods and list three examples of each with typical uses
Describe the structure of a tree (heartwood, sapwood, cambium, bark) and relate it to timber properties

A one-page labelled diagram of ten hand tools with a safety note for each, plus a hardwood/softwood comparison table of five species.

Week 2

Explain timber conversion methods (through-and-through, quarter sawing) and their effect on grain and stability
Describe seasoning (air and kiln) and calculate moisture content from given wet and dry masses
Identify common timber defects (knots, shakes, splits, warping) and explain their causes and impact
Outline preservation and finishing treatments for timber and their health and safety implications

A written explanation (300 words) of conversion and seasoning with a worked moisture-content calculation and a labelled sketch of two defects.

Week 3

Name and state the function of fixed workshop machines (circular saw, planer/thicknesser, band saw, drill press)
Describe the safety guards, push sticks and personal protective equipment required for each machine
Explain the difference between ripping and cross-cutting and select the correct blade or machine for each
Demonstrate the sequence for setting up a planer/thicknesser for accurate dimensioning

A machine safety card for four fixed machines, each listing hazards, guards, PPE and a step-by-step safe operating procedure.

Week 4

Identify and explain the purpose of common woodworking joints (dowel, mortise and tenon, dovetail, housing, lap)
Select an appropriate joint for a given application and justify the choice
Describe the tools and marking-out procedure for cutting a mortise-and-tenon joint
Explain the role of adhesives (PVA, polyurethane, epoxy) and select one for a given joint and environment

A joint selection matrix matching five joints to five applications with justification, plus a marking-out checklist for a mortise-and-tenon.

Week 5

Describe the preparation of surfaces for finishing, including planing, scraping and sanding grit sequence
Compare three finishes (oil, varnish, wax) in terms of appearance, durability and application
Explain the safe application and disposal of finishes, including ventilation and fire risk
Outline the procedure for applying a clear finish to a small project

A finishing schedule for a small project specifying surface preparation, product choice, number of coats, drying times and safety controls.

Week 6

Interpret a working drawing, including orthographic views, dimensions and a cutting list
Calculate material quantities and costs for a simple project from a cutting list
Produce a step-by-step construction plan for a small project (e.g., stool or box) with a logical sequence
Identify quality-control checks at each stage of construction

A complete project plan for a small item: cutting list with costs, orthographic sketch, construction sequence and quality-check points.

Week 7

Explain workshop health and safety legislation and employer/employee responsibilities in outline
Identify common workshop hazards and describe risk-control measures using the hierarchy of control
Describe first-aid and emergency procedures for typical woodwork injuries
Explain safe handling and storage of hazardous substances (adhesives, finishes, solvents)

A risk assessment for a woodwork workshop covering five hazards, with likelihood, severity and control measures.

Week 8

Consolidate all topics by answering practice questions under timed conditions
Review and correct weak areas identified from practice results
Summarise key facts (timber, tools, joints, safety) into a one-page revision sheet
Rehearse explanations of processes (seasoning, joint cutting, finishing) aloud to build exam fluency

A timed mock paper completed with a score of at least 80%, plus a one-page revision sheet covering all weak areas.

Week 2: Can name and state the purpose of ten hand tools, distinguish hardwoods from softwoods, and calculate moisture content correctly.

Week 4: Can select an appropriate joint for a given application with justification and list the safe operating procedure for four fixed machines.

Week 6: Can produce a cutting list with costs and a logical construction sequence for a small project from a working drawing.

Week 8: Achieves at least 80% on a timed mock paper and has a completed one-page revision sheet covering all identified weak areas.