Key Stage 4

Subject: Engineering

GCSE Examination Board: Cambridge National Level 2

What will I be studying?
Throughout the course you will learn about the principles of electronic circuits, the components and devices used in electronic and programmable systems, and how to construct and test them, you will develop practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations. You will use computer aided design (CAD) software to produce diagrams and simulate circuits and then construct and test electronic circuits for a specific purpose, using tools and equipment to assemble printed circuit boards. Finally, you will solve problems using microcontroller programs to develop programmable systems and test that they solve such problems.

How will I be assessed?
Students must complete three units:
• one externally assessed unit (exam)
• two centre-assessed units (NEA).

Anything else I need to know?
This is a very modern course and has been developed to address the enormous shortage of engineers we have in this country. It centres on the underpinning knowledge engineers need which is a good grounding in electronics and programmable chips. The course therefore requires a modern independent learner as most of the work is done individually on the computer and recorded on Microsoft Power Point. There are also a lot of practical elements to the course requiring our students to be able to solder and manufacture efficiently. Please note – You will NOT be taking engines apart, but you will be learning about engineering and familiarising yourself with what engineering is all about.