Our Construction Department is a vital part of that mission, offering students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that encourage engagement, resilience, and pride.

Practical learning designed for success

For many learners, practical learning offers a fresh start, a way to thrive outside the boundaries of a traditional classroom. In our construction unit, students discover new skills, new interests, and new belief in what they can achieve. Lessons are structured to support a wide range of needs, with a focus on positive relationships and achievable progress.

Students learn to:

• Use tools safely and responsibly, building confidence step by step.
• Measure, cut, and construct practical projects using wood and other materials.
• Read and follow simple technical drawings, developing problem-solving and planning skills.
• Take part in hands-on activities that make learning tangible and enjoyable.
• Work at their own pace, with personalised support and encouragement.

Every lesson is designed to help students experience success, both in their work and in themselves.

A safe, supportive, and nurturing environment

Emotional wellbeing and personal development are at the heart of everything we do. Our workshop reflects this ethos, creating a structured yet welcoming space where students feel valued and understood.

We prioritise:

• Safety-first teaching and correct tool use.
• Clear routines to reduce anxiety and build confidence.
• Adapted teaching methods tailored to individual learning styles.
• Positive reinforcement to celebrate progress and effort.
• Social and teamwork skills through collaborative projects.

Our staff don’t just teach skills, they help students rebuild confidence, trust, and a sense of belonging.

Meaningful projects with real purpose

Students take part in practical projects that allow them to see the immediate impact of their work. These tasks develop focus, patience, and pride in what they create. Typical projects include:

• Bird boxes, planters, shelves, and small furniture pieces.
• Upcycling and repair projects.
• Items to take home and share with family.
• School-based improvements that contribute to the community.

Every completed project is a reminder of what can be achieved with guidance, practice, and determination.

Preparing students for future pathways

Our goal is to help students build a future filled with opportunity. Through construction and carpentry, learners develop practical skills, confidence, and work habits that will support them long after they leave us.

Students often progress into:

• College-based construction or carpentry courses.
• Entry-level vocational qualifications.
• Apprenticeships and work experience.
• Other trades or employment pathways suited to their strengths.

Most importantly, they leave with the belief that they can succeed, and the skills to back it up.

The Construction Department at In Toto Ed Peterborough is more than a workshop, it’s a place where young people discover new abilities, new strengths, and new possibilities. Through hands-on learning, supportive teaching, and a focus on the whole child, we help students build not just projects, but brighter futures.