CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS LEVEL 2 IN ENGINEERING DESIGN (VOCATIONAL) 

Option 

Love Maths & Physics? Enjoy taking things apart and working out how they work? Have a talent for problem-solving? Great at drawing and communication?  Then this course is for you! This course builds on knowledge, skills and understanding learned during Years 7 and 8 in Design and Technology lessons. 

What Will You Do? 
This is a design, problem-solving and manufacture based course. During the three years, you will learn about how engineers test and use materials, work with CAD/CAM, apply Maths, Science and Design to solve engineering problems, calculate material properties and cost and research into the suitability of how different materials are used to solve problems. 

In Year 9 you will investigate structures, prototype a range of mini products, test and evaluate them and understand how design development is key to the manufacture of high quality parts or products. You will learn a wide range of processes that are used across the engineering world, such as manufacturing using multiple materials, testing surface finishes, electronics, producing high quality Isometric and 3rd Angle Orthographic technical drawings as well as Computer Aided Design and Manufacture. 

In Years 10 and 11 you will research and disassemble a range of products and investigate how and why they function. You will conduct a range of tests and evaluate the outcomes. You will analyse materials, parts and processes and draw conclusions about their fitness for purpose. You will investigate and evaluate a range of clients and design products to suit their diverse needs. You will sketch, develop, design, model and prototype a high quality marketable product suitable for volume production. This will be showcased as part of the Higham Lane School Design and Food Engineering Show at the end of Year 11.

By doing this you will gain an understanding of how technology and engineering impact on society and the environment. You will also gain an understanding of different materials (for example aluminium, mild steel, copper, hardwood, softwood, manufactured board and polymers) and will experience processes such as cutting, filing and finishing materials, CAD/CAM, construction, jointing methods,  milling, using the centre lathe, during the manufacture of prototypes and products. 

How will you do it? 
You will be taught in mixed ability classes and will have access to the wide range of resources available across the Department. The emphasis is on discovery, experimentation, creativity and evaluation. You will develop a greater ability for independent learning and creativity applying Maths and Science skills to problem-solve. The assessment is based upon 2 detailed engineering assignments as well as a 1 hour and 15 minute examination based upon key knowledge and understanding. 

What Qualifications Can You Obtain?
The course will lead to a Level 2 Cambridge Nationals in Engineering Design which is the GCSE equivalent at grade 4 to 9. Students who make less than expected progress may, at their teacher’s discretion, study for the Cambridge Nationals Level 1 in Engineering Design which is equivalent to 1 GCSE at grades 3-1. The qualification is assessed as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

How will you be assessed? 

The Cambridge National is a highly regarded and recognised qualification equivalent to a GCSE 1-9 Grade where you will be graded from a Pass to a Distinction*

There are 3 UNITS in total:

R038 Principles of Engineering Design (50%) This is a 1 hour 15 minute written examination based upon knowledge of engineering and the design process.

R039 Communicating Designs (25%) This is the design stage of the course where students will create a range of sketches, design and develop several designs based upon client feedback, analyse feedback and make decisions on which product suits the client needs to develop further and manufacture. You will be required to develop a final design using a wide range of drawing and modelling skills such as isometric drawing, orthographic drawing, planning procedures and CAD Modelling.

R040 Design Evaluation and Modelling (25%) This is the manufacturing stage of the course where you will apply your knowledge of the design process, wood, metal and plastic skills and processes to CREATE a high quality commercial outcome suitable for manufacture.

For further information, please contact your Design and Technology teacher or Mr Temple, Subject Leader for Design & Technology.