Engineering

Why do we study Engineering?

Within our Design & Technology curriculum our students will also focus on principles of engineering. Engineering allows students to become problem solvers and creative thinkers, solving real life problems and gaining transferable skills and techniques that can be used in many different career paths. The knowledge they gain will let them see how the world around them has been engineered through different materials, processes and technology. In Key Stage 3 students will gain an insight into these principles. Then, depending on their learning styles and strengths, they can choose from two Key Stage 4 engineering courses, both of which offer the building blocks to progress to further study a career in engineering.

Year 7

In Year 7, students will explore key principles of engineering to develop their understanding of theory and practical application. Students will work with a range of engineering materials and use different modern and traditional manufacturing techniques during each project. These include hand tools, equipment, and the use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control). Students are encouraged to demonstrate creative thinking, problem solving skills and build on their resilience.

DT – KS3 – Read and watch list

Year 8

In Year 8, students are encouraged to develop precision and accuracy in their work. Quality and application of engineering knowledge are at the forefront of each Scheme of Work.

 Students will develop confidence from their previous learning and strive to work independently to create final solutions with high quality and accuracy within specified tolerances. The use of quality control, including physical and visual checks will support them in this process.

Electronics- Mini speaker
• Materials
• Sustainability/ Environment
• Electronic symbols and components
• Soldering
• Practical skills
• Engineering systems

Programmable Devices- Microbit Pet
• Programmable devices
• Input/ process/ output
• Hardware and software
• CAD CAM
• Testing and evaluation

DT – KS3 – Read and watch list

Year 9

In Year 9, students have the opportunity to explore how to solve real life engineering problems. Theyn will focus on how environmental impact can be reduced, and the impact that new and emerging technology has.

 Furthermore, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of engineering systems such as mechanical and electrical/ electronic can be integrated to solve problems.

They will also learn how to generate, read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.

Students will be assessed on their practical outcome that will be electro-mechanical, and through their modelling, drawings and schematics.

Electric motor car challenge

• Design brief/ task analysis
• New and emerging technologies
• Engineering drawings and schematics
• Virtual and physical modelling
• Manufacturing Processes
• Jigs and templates
• Objective testing (race)

DT – KS3 – Read and watch list

GCSE ENGINEERING

Year 10

GCSE Engineering

AQA Specification

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/engineering/gcse/engineering-8852

• Outcomes: Sheet metal tray/ skills board

• Outcomes: Bike alarm/ solar vehicle

• Outcomes: CNC Coaster (Aluminium, Acrylic and Neoprene)

Summer Term

The impact of Modern Technologies

• The impact of modern Technologies

Practical Engineering Skills

• Problem solving
• Engineering drawings and schematics
• CAD, CAM and CNC
• Testing materials and production plans
• Predict performance using calculations and modelling

Select and use materials, parts, components, tools and equipment

DT – KS4 – Read and watch list

Year 11

GCSE Engineering

AQA Specification

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/engineering/gcse/engineering-8852

Throughout Year 11 students will complete their device / system in response to the NEA brief. Students will be given criteria for each section, so that they can optimise their marks and overall grade. Remaining time will be used to prepare for their forth coming summer exam.

Summer Term

Exam Preparation

Revision

DT – KS4 – Read and watch list

VCERT TECHNICAL AWARD IN ENGINEERING

Year 10

Engineering

VCERT Technical Award Level 1/2

https://www.qualhub.co.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-12-technical-award-in-engineering-4593

Term 1- Understanding the engineering world

Outcomes: Sheet metal tray/ Bike alarm

Pupils will also generate an orthographic engineering drawing and isometric Engineering drawing of their sheet metal tray

Term 2- Bridge Design and make/ coaster

Term 3- Skills board

Summer Term

Synoptic Project Mock (Unit 2 Preparation)

Learning Objective 1

• Produce hand drawn engineering drawings

Learning Objective 2

• Produce Computer Aided Design (CAD) engineering drawings

Engineering drawings

• An A3 CAD isometric drawing sheet

Learning Objective 3

• Demonstrate production planning techniques

Production planning

Skills and techniques

• Prepare materials
• Cleaning
• Marking out
• Modify shape and size of Materials-Cutting
• Drilling
• Bending
• Casting
• CAM
• Join materials -riveting, gluing, bolting, soldering
• Finish materials – filing, sanding, polishing

Applying a surface finish

DT – KS4 – Read and watch list

Year 11

Engineering

VCERT Technical Award Level 1/2

https://www.qualhub.co.uk/qualification-search/qualification-detail/ncfe-level-12-technical-award-in-engineering-4593

In Year 11 students will begin their synoptic project. The brief for this will be provided by NCFE and will give students the opportunity to demonstrate and apply their knowledge. Furthermore, students who need to improve on their previous exam grade will be given the opportunity to re-sit. 

Summer Term

Complete Course

DT – KS4 – Read and watch list