Students study a very broad range of different materials and their working properties, processes and relevant industrial applications, modern and emerging technologies along with applying mathematics and scientific understanding to real world contexts and problems. They use this knowledge and understanding in order to produce a range of different protypes and working models across the two-year course. Students draw on the skills learnt at GCSE including, research, designing, developing, manufacturing prototypes and evaluating. 

In the first year, students complete two main projects, a luminaire based on the work of famous, Engineers, designers or Architects and a project which has its context set by the exam board. They will also undertake work in building skills in CAD, CAM, Engineering, Graphical Design and product realisation. 

In Year 13, students use their knowledge and experiences from Year 12 to develop their own design brief in order to undertake a major project. This allows students to undertake a substantial project in an area that they are passionate or interested in.QA.

Assessment  

Paper 1 - 30%

• Technical Principles   
  

Paper 2 - 20%

• Product Analysis
  
• Commercial Manufacture  
  

Non-Exam Assessment (Coursework) - 50%

• Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles  
  

Skills Developed and Career Prospects

During the course students develop skills in analysing, evaluating, designing, developing ideas and manufacturing, engineering principles and producing high quality products. students will also acquire an understanding of manufacturing processes and techniques, using mathematics in real world contexts, understanding the role engineering and design plays in every day contexts, materials knowledge, design history and how engineering and design has shaped the way we live. 

The course can lead on to further education or careers in the following areas: Product Design, Product Engineering, Engineering, Architecture, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Set/Prop Design, Interior Designer, Production Engineer, Software Designer, Project Manager and Web Design.