Engineering
The Cambridge National in Engineering Design aims to equip students with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of engineering design principles.
You will:
- Understand and apply fundamental principles of Engineering Design, including design processes, drawing types, influences on design, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
- Develop practical skills applicable to real-life contexts and work situations within the engineering design and development sector.
- Cultivate creative, innovative, analytical, logical, and critical thinking abilities.
- Gain independence and confidence in utilising relevant skills within engineering design and beyond.
- Analyse design problems through practical experience, designing and modelling to meet specific design briefs.
- Grasp the iterative design process and evaluate designs through product disassembly and analysis.
You can only choose Engineering OR Design and Technology — you cannot do both.
Students will study the following units:
- Principles of engineering design (R038) — Within this module, you will delve into the intricacies of the design process, encompassing all stages involved.
- Communicating designs (RO39) — Within this unit, you will acquire the skills necessary to effectively communicate your ideas through sketching and engineering drawings.
- Design evaluation and modelling (RO40) — Throughout this practical unit, you will gain proficiency in generating and assessing design models and will conduct a research project and fabricate an item in accordance with a brief.
Assessment
R038 is assessed by an examination, which is worth 40% of the qualification
RO39 and RO40 are assessed from practical skills-based projects and form 60% of the course.
Requirements
We will provide you with a revision guide and no equipment is needed.
Where can it lead?
Career Opportunities
Studying engineering at the GCSE level can open up a range of promising career opportunities. Some potential career paths include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Computer Hardware Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
Studying engineering at the GCSE level provides a solid foundation for pursuing higher education in engineering disciplines or entering the workforce directly through apprenticeships or entry-level positions. Additionally, the problem-solving and analytical skills developed during engineering studies are valuable in various industries, making engineering graduates sought after in the job market
Post-16 opportunities
This engineering course provides a pathway for advancing to Vocational Engineering levels 2 and 3, or pursuing a T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacture. Additionally, it opens doors to further studies such as Design and Technology at A Level, as well as various apprenticeships within the sector.