Engineering

“Engineering is achieving function while avoiding failure.”

– Henry Petroski

Students begin to undertake practical projects and design projects at the start of Year 10 and throughout the course to help build up their skills and experiences. These projects may include engineering the following products: precision manufacture, CAD/CAM, production/ reading of orthographic drawings, speakers, tools.

Content

The practical element of the course (60%) includes the disciplines of electronics, machine work, 2D and 3D CAD, Maths in engineering and creative drawing. Students work with a range of materials such as metals, plastics and woods. Students will develop drawing skills through technical drawing and 3D drawing.

After the first term of Year 10, students apply their new knowledge and understanding to increasingly challenging engineering project, before their Unit 1 component is launched on June 1.

Assessment

For Unit 1, students manufacture a complex engineering product in response to a brief from the exam board and working orthographic drawings.

UNIT 1 represents 40% of a student’s final grade and requires a written folder of evidence to be produced and submitted.

UNIT 2 In Term 2 of Year 11, the focus is on Unit 2 which covers the Design Development aspect of Engineering. At this point, students will complete a design task in response to a brief from the exam board. This task represents 20% of their final grade.

FINAL EXAM

At the end of Year 11, students will sit an exam that is 1 hour 30 minutes. This will test their knowledge of materials, processes and drawing techniques. The final exam represents 40% of their final grade.

Students are fully prepared for this examination through the skills they have learned, theory lessons throughout Year 10 and 11 and homework activities.

Progression

Engineering is a perfect option for anyone looking for a career in the fields of Engineering, Manufacture or STEM. The skills covered during this course lead directly into KS5 design courses, apprenticeships and multiple career paths, as engineers are required in the majority of industries.