GCSE | Engineering – Leighton Park

GCSE in Engineering

Exam Board: AQA
Syllabus Code: 8852

The course requires students to be confident in Mathematics. We would recommend that students opting for this subject have the potential to achieve a grade 7 or over in IGCSE Mathematics. Additionally, an enjoyment of Physics and an understanding of basic computer programming and/or computational thinking would be highly beneficial.

What will I learn?

The GCSE in Engineering will require students to develop subject knowledge, skills and understanding that allow them to solve engineering problems in an informed way. Students will be given access to technologies, materials and engineering processes that may well be new to them. Students will put theory into practice, solving engineering problems through the application of mathematical principles and computer modelling/simulation to produce carefully considered manufactured outcomes, which showcase essential practical skills.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• engage in a range of intellectual and practical processes in order to solve problems through the production of engineered outcomes
• develop knowledge and understanding of materials, components and resources relating to engineering
• draw on skills and understanding of materials, processes and techniques in order to engineer products which provide a functioning solution in response to a given brief
• develop an understanding of how emerging technologies (in areas such as materials science, IT and communications, energy, medicine and robotics) have changed and will continue to change the way in which engineered products are made and used
• develop an understanding of health and safety procedures and be able to carry out practical activities in a safe way
• develop an awareness and understanding of the impact of engineering on the environment and sustainable development
• apply their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts in an engineering related context

The specification of the course will provide students with content in:

• Engineering materials
• Engineering manufacturing processes
• Systems (mechanical, electrical, structural, pneumatic, hydraulic)
• Testing and investigation
• The impact of modern technologies
• Application of practical engineering skills

The GCSE consists of:

• A non-examined assessment based on a given brief set by AQA (40% weighting). The student will be expected to engineer a working prototype to a problem using both a mechanical and an electronic solution
• a 2 hour externally assessed written exam paper at the end of Year 11 (60% weighting)

Approximately half the lessons will be used for classroom-based theory work.

Students will be expected to attend additional after school sessions and a few Saturday mornings in Year 11

If you have any queries about this course, please contact Head of Department: Mark Smith.