Engineering: The course is around 50% practical work and 50% theory and written coursework.
There are two parts to the written coursework, called Unit 1 and Unit 2. This coursework makes up the majority of the marks for the course and consists of practical tasks, written up along with the theory of what the student’s method and research into the tools and materials they are using.
Unit 3 is a written exam and includes the theory of Engineering, materials, tools and how they are used to manufacture products. It includes elements on Sustainable Design and modern materials and methods including CAD/CAM.
Mathematics - Practical mathematics skills are an essential part of the Engineering course. In the written exam students are given real life questions, like working out the volume of a piece of metal needed to make a sign. Understanding who to calculate the scale of a drawing is needed.
Design & Technology: The course consists of one large piece of coursework and an exam in Year 11.
Coursework: Students investigate Designers and analyse products, materials and their manufacture. Students are taught how to design and make their own products, following a design brief. Students complete research and gather data before undertaking their own design during Year 11 to produce a comprehensive coursework project. Students then decide on a single project in Year 11 which they then prototype and build, producing the coursework to back-up their design work.
Exam: The written exam requires a large avout of subject information on how products are designed and manufactured. The theory which is worked on practically and with research in Year 10 makes up a large part of this learning. Students need a thorough understanding of design, materials and manufacture to pass the exam.