Engineering
Engineering is a field that constantly changes the world through inventions and solutions that affect everyone’s lives. Offered as a single award qualification, students undertake four compulsory units covering a range of technical skills and industrial practices, including computer-aided design and manufacture, machining processes and fabrication.
Year 12
In Year 12 students focus on the fundamental principles and applications of engineering. Units include Engineering Principles, assessed by a 2 hour 15 minute external exam and covering the maths and physics needed for engineering, such as algebraic methods, calculus and electrical engineering, and Engineering Applications, a 2 hour external exam with short and longer questions on materials, equipment, engineering processes and new and emerging technologies.
Across these units students begin to build the logical thinking, problem-solving and practical skills required in modern engineering industries.
Year 13
In Year 13 the focus moves to design and project work. In Engineering Design students complete a coursework project to explore design proposals that meet a set engineering design challenge, including investigation and design in 2D and 3D CAD, modelling and manufacturing prototypes.
In Engineering Project students undertake a further coursework project to investigate an engineering solution in a specialist area, including planning and project management, manufacturing and production. Assessment is completed in Year 13.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Assessment combines written examinations in engineering principles and applications with substantial coursework projects in design and specialist engineering, rewarding both theoretical understanding and applied practical skills.
Opportunities
The breadth of this course means that a full range of engineering career options is available, including telecommunications, aerospace, space technology and exploration, civil engineering, architecture, robotics, automotive design, construction, marine engineering and many more.
Students gain a strong foundation for progressing into apprenticeships, higher education or employment in a wide range of engineering and related technical fields.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 4 in Maths.
Desirable Level 2 Merit in Engineering or Grade 4 in Design & Technology, and Grade 5 in Maths.
Engineering (A-Level)
Engineering is a field that constantly changes the world through inventions and solutions that affect everyone’s lives. Offered as a single award qualification, students complete four compulsory units covering technical skills and industrial practices, including computer-aided design and manufacture, machining processes and fabrication.
Year 12
Students study Engineering Principles, assessed by a 2 hour 15 minute external exam covering maths and physics for engineering, including algebraic methods, calculus and electrical engineering, and Engineering Applications, a 2 hour external exam with questions on materials properties, equipment, engineering processes and new and emerging technologies.
Year 13
Students undertake Engineering Design, a coursework project exploring design proposals to meet a set engineering design challenge using 2D and 3D CAD, modelling and prototype manufacture, and Engineering Project, a coursework project investigating an engineering solution in a specialist area, including planning, project management, manufacturing and production. Assessment takes place in Year 13.
Assessment Components
Component 1: 96 marks (60%). No time limit.
Component 2: 96 marks (40%). Preparatory period plus 15 hours supervised time.
Assessment rewards both theoretical understanding of engineering principles and the application of skills through practical design and project work.
Opportunities
The course opens up a wide range of engineering careers including telecommunications, aerospace, space technology and exploration, civil engineering, architecture, robotics, automotive design, construction and marine engineering.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 4 in Maths.
Desirable: Level 2 Merit in Engineering or Grade 4 in Design & Technology, and Grade 5 in Maths.