Engineering

Engineering Teacher in the Department: Mr James

KS4 Engineering Curriculum Plan

At Maplewell Hall School, pupils are studying Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award and Certificate in Engineering.

The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award, Certificate and Diploma in Engineering is taught over 40 guided learning hours (GLH). It has core and optional specialist units. Learners must complete the two core units, and a choice of optional units to reach a total of 70 GLH to gain the Certificate.

Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award, Certificate and Diploma in Engineering

The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award and Certificate in Engineering has been designed primarily for young people aged 14–19 who may wish to explore a vocational route throughout Key Stage 4, but it is also suitable for other learners who want a vocationally focused introduction to this area of study. It has been developed to:

  • Give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the engineering sector
  • Give learners a more focused understanding of engineering through the selection of optional specialist units
  • Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of personal skills and techniques, through the selection of optional units that are essential for successful performance in working life
  • Give opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised Level 1 or Level 2 engineering qualification
  • Support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course, or into an apprenticeship
  • Give full-time learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of engineering sectors such as mechanical, automotive or electrical.

The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award and Certificate in Engineering provides an engaging, robust, broad-based introduction to engineering. It offers underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills that reflect the needs of employers, higher and further education professionals. It is presented in a meaningful work-related context, to allow learners to understand theory and application.

The BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award and Certificate in Engineering qualifications is designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors.

The Level 1 Award in Engineering also provides the starting point of a route to employment at a junior level in a range of engineering posts. Learners can expect to work in a range of settings, for example in the manufacturing, automotive, electrical and mechanical sectors. Learners can also choose to spend further periods of time studying in order to equip themselves with higher levels of knowledge and understanding.

On successful completion of a BTEC First qualification, learners can progress to or within employment and/or continue their study in the same, or related vocational area.

Key Features of BTEC Award in Engineering:

The Pearson BTEC Level 1 Award:

  • is for learners aged 14 years and over
  • is a 110 guided-learning-hour qualification (equivalent in teaching time to one GCSE)
  • has core units and optional units
  • 25 per cent of the qualification that is externally assessed.
  • will be available on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
  • presents knowledge in a work-related context
  • gives learners the opportunity to develop and apply skills in English and mathematics in naturally occurring, work-related contexts
  • provides opportunities for synoptic assessment. Learners will apply the skills and knowledge gained from the core units when studying the optional units.

The BTEC First Award in Engineering has been developed in the engineering sector to:

  • give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the engineering sector
  • give learners a more focused understanding of engineering through the selection of optional specialist units
  • give learners the opportunity to develop a range of personal skills and techniques, through the selection of optional units that are essential for successful performance in working life
  • give opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised level 1 or level 2 engineering qualification
  • support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course or into an apprenticeship
  • give full-time learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of engineering sectors such as mechanical, automotive and electrical.

Extra-Curricular

The department offers STEM Club which allows pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and interest in the STEM subjects.

Other extra-curricular activities include:

  • Off timetable manufacturing classes
  • STEM days at Big Bang NEC
  • STEM visits to 3M, Brush, Amazon and other local engineering powerhouses
  • Links with local industry.