Exam Board: OCR
Overview:
Cambridge National in Engineering Design will inspire and equip you with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the sector and the wider industry. As part of the Cambridge National, you’ll cover:
How designs are developed including what information is needed and how manufacturing influences design
Communicating designs using sketches, drawings and computer aided design (CAD), producing accurate and detailed drawings and models
How designers create and test models to make a working prototype
Making your own high-quality models to represent design ideas
You’ll develop a range of skills to help you succeed not only in the workplace but in other subjects too.
These skills include:
Creative thinking
Analytical skills
Problem solving
Research and planning
Assessment:
Engineering Design is broken down into 3 units:
Unit R038- Principles of engineering design. This unit covers the theory side of Engineering Design and will a range of topics from CAD CAM, Sustainability Manufacturing methods, material technology, virtual and physical engineering prototypes and design strategies. Students will take an exam at the end of Year 11 based on the content covered in this unit
Unit R039- Communicating Designs. This is a practical unit and gives you the opportunity to learn how to communicate designs from freehand sketching skills, formal engineering drawings to 3D computer aided design (CAD) presentation.
Unit R040- Design, evaluation and modeling. This unit gives you an introduction on how to carry out product analysis research. You will undertake a practical disassembly of an engineered product studying the materials, manufacturing methods, strength and weaknesses of the product. You will create a 3D virtual model and manufacture a physical model of a prototype and evaluate the model against a specification.
Where can it lead?
By developing applied knowledge and practical skills, this course will help give you the opportunity to progress on to A Levels, a Cambridge Technical in Engineering, an apprenticeship or university.
The sky’s the limit with Engineering Design – what about becoming an Aerospace Engineer?
60% Controlled Assessment
R039- Communication Design
R040- Design, Evaluation and Modeling
40% Exam
R038- Principles of Engineering Design
You will need to be an observant and creative individual who is good at managing your time effectively, this will really help with the coursework element of the course. You will need to pay close attention to detail and be able to have a good level of self-motivation.
Setting aside the fact that you will have practical and project management skills for life, this course could allow you to enter a career in:
ART AND DESIGN - Graphic Designer, Sculptor, Gallery Curator IT
AND THE INTERNET - Games Developer, Software Programmer, Network Engineer, Web Designer
FAST CONSUMER GOODS - Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Market Researcher
FASHION AND BEAUTY - Fashion Designer, Dressmaker, Hairdresser
CONSTRUCTION – Tradesperson, Architect, Construction Manager
MANUFACTURING – Food Technologist, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Manager
You may wish to continue your study into Sixth Form where you can take on an A Level in Product Design, or you may wish the enter an apprenticeship scheme.