Engineering design is a process used to identify market opportunities and solve problems which contribute to the development of new products and systems. This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to study the processes involved in designing new engineered products and the requirements of a design specification. Through research and practical activities, learners will understand how market requirements and opportunities inform client briefs and will use practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model making to communicate design ideas.
All students in years 7-8 will study aspects of engineering through their design and technology lessons. At KS4, students will complete two units of coursework and one final exam. Each unit is worth 30% of their total grade. The coursework units cover a range of engineering topics that provide students with a broad range of opportunities and experiences to prepare themselves for a career in engineering and design.
Breakdown of the three units
R038: Principles of engineering design. (Exam Unit)
In this unit, students will learn about the different design strategies and where they are used, as well as the stages that are involved in iterative design, which is currently one of the most widely used design strategies.
Students will learn about the type of information needed to develop a design brief and specification, and the manufacturing considerations that can influence a design.
Students will develop knowledge of the types of drawing used in engineering to communicate designs, as well as the techniques used to evaluate design ideas and outcomes, including modelling methods.
R039: Communicating designs.
In this unit students will learn how to develop their techniques in sketching, and gain industrial skills in engineering drawing using standard conventions that include dimensioning, line types, abbreviations, and representation of mechanical features.
Students will enhance their confidence and capabilities by using computer aided design (CAD), 2D and 3D software, to produce accurate and detailed drawings and models that visually communicate their designs.
R040: Design, evaluation and modelling.
In this unit students will learn how designers can quickly create and test models to develop a prototype of a design.
Students will develop their virtual modelling skills using computer aided design (CAD) 3D software, to produce a high-quality model that will be able to stimulate their design prototype. Students will also develop their physical modelling skills using modelling materials or rapid prototyping processes to produce a physical prototype.
Engineering Department
Miss B Peake – Subject Lead for Engineering and Design and Technology
Miss A Booton – Subject Teacher
