School of Brickology - Primary School

School of Brickology - Primary School is a self-paced, free program designed for learners who have mastered the basics of bricklaying and are ready to advance their skills. This course delves deeper into the art and science of brick bonds, including stretcher, English, and Flemish bonds for both straight walls and corners, as well as an overview of decorative bonds. Participants will gain practical experience in constructing strong corners, accurate returns, and various types of piers, including reinforced piers. The program emphasizes the importance of consistent joint thickness, advanced mortar application, and controlling both bed and perp joints to achieve professional results. Learners will explore industry standards and tolerances, such as plumb and level checks, gauge height consistency, and alignment across long runs, with a focus on NHBC and LABC requirements for small works. Decorative features are introduced, including soldier and dog-tooth courses, simple decorative panels, and brick-on-edge techniques. Hands-on projects guide participants through building garden piers, return walls, decorative garden walls, and a BBQ base, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Professional development is also covered, with lessons on reading simple brickwork drawings, understanding common symbols and notes, preparing materials lists, and maintaining health and safety on larger projects, including scaffold use. The course concludes with a recap of common beginner mistakes, multiple quizzes to reinforce learning, the opportunity to earn the Bond Builder badge, and guidance for progression to the Secondary School level.