KS4 GCSE

Design & Technology:
Engineering

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Engineering
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Course ID
AQA 8852
Faculty
Design & Technology
Department
Engineering
Level
GCSE
Head of Faculty
C. Roncarati
Head of Department
C. Zane
KS4 GCSE D&T: Engineering

Course Overview

Studying Engineering at GCSE offers students the opportunity to explore how ideas are transformed into practical solutions that shape the world around us. The course combines creativity, technical knowledge and problem-solving, allowing students to experience both the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering.

Building on skills developed at Key Stage 3, students engage in a range of intellectual and hands-on processes to solve real-world problems through the design and production of engineered outcomes. The course encourages students to think logically and analytically while applying their knowledge in practical contexts.

A key element of the course is the application of mathematical principles within engineering. Around 25% of the course focuses on mathematical concepts used in engineering contexts, including principles such as Young’s Modulus. Through this, students develop confidence in applying mathematics to understand how materials behave and how structures and components are designed to perform effectively.

Students also develop a strong understanding of engineering materials, components and resources, as well as the processes involved in manufacturing and production. They learn how different materials are selected and used, and how engineering techniques can be applied to create functional and well-designed outcomes.

Through practical projects and problem-solving tasks, students develop important skills in planning, designing, manufacturing and evaluating engineered products. Engineering provides an excellent foundation for further study at A-Level or in technical and vocational pathways, and supports future careers in engineering, manufacturing, product design, construction and many other technology-based industries.

Course Description

Year 10

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Theory: Engineering Materials Theory (Students will learn about engineering materials; Metals, Polymers,  composites and ceramics, manufacturing processes, and the advantages and disadvantages these technologies bring to society). 
Practical: Basic Engineering Practice – Pocket Screwdriver. 
Theory is assessed at the end of each half term with a test. Production of Screwdriver form a working drawing – Students will be assessed on accuracy, 
quality of finish and engineering manufacturing skills. 
Autumn 2 Theory: Engineering Materials cont. (Permanent and non-permanent methods of joining materials, protection of metals, working drawings and orthographic projection). 
Practical: Engineering practice. Pocket Screwdriver. CNC Manufacturing 
Theory is assessed at the end of each half term with a test. Students will be assessed on accuracy, quality of finish and engineering manufacturing skills; quality of forging and screw thread cutting. 
Spring 1 Theory: Engineering Mathematics Theory (students will learn about Engineering mathematics, concentrating on: Newtons Laws, Young’s Modulus, Resistors in series and calculating areas and volumes). 
Practical: Engineering Practice – Manufacturing processes 1. Casting Processes, Metal Joining Processes 
Theory is assessed at the end of each half term with a test. Casting Project: Through the use of practical engineering activities students will learn about polymer, metal and composite mass manufacturing processes, including, sand casting, and die casting. 
Spring 2 Theory: Engineering Systems Theory (systems technology, Ohm’s Law, resistors in parallel, flowcharts, input and output devices, cams, pulleys and gears and ratios). 
Practical: Engineering Practice – Manufacturing processes 2. Electronics, Soldering,  
Theory is assessed at the end of each half term with a test. Maze Game: Through the use of practical engineering activities students will learn about polymer mass manufacturing processes, including, vacuum forming and the layup process. 
Summer 1 Theory: Engineering Coursework NEA (Preparation for NEA – what is the NEA? How many marks is it worth? 40% 
Exemplar material – Preparation of powerpoint, scatterchart of ideas. 
Practical: Engineering Practice – manufacturing processes. 
Completion and evaluation of all practical assignments, Theory test on subject matter taught directly through the practical element. 
Summer 2 NEA start up, Research, Need, situation, brief and analysis of brief, initial design ideas.  Students will be given their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) paper as set by the examination board. 

Year 11

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 GCSE NEA: Design ideas/evaluation of ideas; modelling of basic concepts. Students will be required to demonstrate their ability to analyse a given problem, imagine solutions to that problem, use a range of modelling techniques, produce a prototype and communicate their ideas clearly. Students should use sketches or modelling to show technical concepts and the initial steps in generating a functional solution.   
Autumn 2 GCSE NEA: Development of ideas and advanced modelling / early prototype, working drawings and CAD modelling. Students will demonstrate their ability to develop illustrated design ideas that conform to sector-specific conventions, use CAD effectively and clearly annotate their drawings.   
Spring 1 GCSE NEA: Manufacture of final prototype. Students will demonstrate their ability to produce and follow a production plan and explain the stages of production, consider repeatability and use CNC, explain the quality control measures taken and consider health and safety. Students will demonstrate their ability to use safely a range of materials and equipment and explain their choices, consider quality control and work to tolerances.   
Spring 2 GCSE NEA: Evaluation/Further developments of NEA. Examination Theory: Exam practice/Revision techniques. Students will demonstrate their ability to undertake testing of their product and evaluate its effectiveness. They will also be expected to provide an honest evaluation of the product and make recommendations for improvements.   
Summer 1 Examination Theory: Exam Technique and practice / past papers.  Written examination, 2 hours, 60% of overall mark. 
Summer 2 GCSE Examination.  GCSE Examination. 

Extended Learning

Year 10

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Engineering  AQA GCSE (9-1) Engineering (Paul Anderson, David Hills-Taylor, Mark Griffiths)  How Its Made; How Do They Do That?   

 

Year 11

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Engineering  AQA GCSE (9-1) Engineering (Paul Anderson, David Hills-Taylor, Mark Griffiths)  STEM Resources 
How Its Made; How Do They Do That? 
Lunchtime and after school coursework club for completion of NEA practical and written work

 

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