Construction Cluster

About This Program

Throughout the Masonry & Tile Setting program students learn the fundamentals of masonry for construction and landscaping. Included is the art of laying brick, block, glass block, and stone, along with pouring concrete and tile setting. Through a series of projects, students will have hands-on experience constructing segmented retaining walls and installing concrete pavers, building chimneys, designing and installing brick and stone facing, decorative stone and concrete, as well as various floors and walks using stone, slate, brick, tile or pavers. Working with the Massachusetts Building Codes, reading blueprints, creating proposals and working on team projects both in our labs and off-campus provide students with hands-on masonry experience. See below for full course descriptions.

Masonry & Tile Setting Course Descriptions

Course Number	Name	Credit	Grade Level
ms101	Masonry & Tile Setting Exploratory 9	1.0	Grade 9
ms103	Masonry & Tile Setting 9	10.0	Grade 9
ms200	Masonry & Tile Setting 10	16.0	Grade 10
ms201	Masonry & Tile Setting Theory 10	4.0	Grade 10
ms300	Masonry & Tile Setting 11	20.0	Grade 11
mc301	Masonry & Construction Theory 11	4.0	Grade 11
ms305	Masonry & Tile Setting Cooperative Education 11	12.0	Grade 11
pcn301	CTE Pathway: STEM for Construction	2.0	Grade 11
pcn302	CTE Pathway: Understanding Specifications & Blueprints	2.0	Grade 11
ms400	Masonry and Tile Setting 12	20.0	Grade 12
mc401	Masonry & Construction Theory 12	4.0	Grade 12
ms405	Masonry and Tile Setting Cooperative Education 12	24.0	Grade 12
pcn401	CTE Pathway: Construction Management	2.0	Grade 12
pcn402	CTE Pathway: Renewable Energy in Construction	2.0	Grade 12

Masonry & Tile Setting Exploratory 9 

Course # ms101 | Credit: 1
This five-day cycle exploratory course introduces grade 9 students to the masonry & tile setting trade. Students work with brick and mortar to construct pyramids and chimneys, as well as creating patios with concrete pavers in various patterns. Students also learn by doing all phases of work, from setup to preparation to completion of a project. 

Masonry & Tile Setting 9 

Course # ms103 | Credits:10
This semester-based course provides students with experience in working with brick and mortar projects: constructing pyramids and chimneys and patios using concrete pavers in various patterns. In addition, students will work with brick, concrete block, stone, tile and concrete. Studies and hands-on work range from brick veneering to concrete slab work. Students will also develop hand coordination skills using tools of the masonry trade. 

Masonry & Tile Setting 10 

Course # ms200 | Credits: 16
This full-year course provides students with further experience in working with brick, concrete block, stone, tile and concrete along with continued work with brick veneering to concrete slab projects. Students in the program continue to develop hand coordination skills using tools of the masonry trade. 

Masonry & Tile Setting 10 Theory 

Course # ms201 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course helps students to learn trade terminology, complete safety testing on all equipment, and complete textbook chapter work. Students work through a series of three textbooks, completing chapters related to the actual work they are performing in the career technical area. In addition, students learn the history and background of the trade such as how brick, block, tile, and concrete are manufactured. They also study ratios of materials to create mortar and concrete and their proper uses. 

Masonry & Tile Setting 11 

Course # ms300 | Credits: 20
This full-year course provides students with further experience in working with brick, concrete block, stone, tile and concrete along with brick veneering to concrete slab. In addition, students will be exposed to community work and on-site projects that allow them to apply their learning directly to a given situation and its particular needs. 

Masonry & Construction Theory 11 

Course # mc301 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course examines the principles and theory of concrete block construction, block types, modular planning, estimating, installation of windows, doors and lintels, bonding, chimneys, concrete construction, planning, mixing, pouring, finishing, curing, testing, jointing and reinforcing. Operation of various hand and power equipment and estimating masonry materials will also be covered. 

Masonry & Tile Setting Cooperative Education 11 

Course # ms305 | Credits: 12
This semester-based course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle. Please note that juniors are eligible for Cooperative Education during third and fourth quarters only. 

Masonry & Tile Setting 12 

Course # ms400 | Credits: 20
This full-year course provides students with further experience in working with brick, concrete block, stone, tile and concrete along with brick veneering to concrete slab. Successful students will also acquire techniques, a good work ethic, and understand the expectations of the trade. In addition, students will be exposed to community work and on-site projects that allow them to apply their learning directly to a given situation and its particular needs. 

Masonry & Construction Theory 12 

Course # mc401 | Credits: 4
This full-year, classroom-based course will help students learn technical theory, blueprint reading, project estimating, and the use of appropriate hand and power equipment. Topics will include concrete flatwork, footings, brick, block and stone walls along with project maintenance, repair, and computer estimating. Students will study in theory situations from outside projects in the community. 

Masonry & Tile Setting Cooperative Education 12 

Course # ms405 | Credits: 12
This full-year course provides qualified students with a career technical employment opportunity. The program is designed to allow students on-the-job training by involving them in work that is directly related to their technical area of study. Cooperating employers provide additional training, pays students, and reports their performance to the school for every cycle.