This qualification is worth two A levels. It consists of 60% coursework assignments and 40% externally examined units). Assignments, units and final marks will be graded as Pass (E), Merit (C), Distinction (A) or Distinction* (A*).

This engineering course is specifically aimed at young people wanting to study engineering at university or take up an apprenticeship or a degree apprenticeship career in engineering.

Local engineering employers tell us that they need skilled employees with a good technical knowledge as well as the ability to work well in a team and communicate effectively. This course addresses these needs.

It is ideal for students who would enjoy more practical and project work than they would experience studying 3 A levels.

Depending on ability, students will study either one or two A levels with the new Level 3 engineering BTEC (National Foundation Diploma - 540 hours - 7 units). They will also complete the extended project qualification in Year 13 worth 0.5 of an A level. Students not taking maths A level will be asked to take core maths (worth 0.4 of an A level) over two years. Students will leave the course with the equivalent of 4, 3.5 or 3 A levels.

What will I study?

Example student 1 (mainly 7s and 6s at GCSE)

• Two A levels
• Maths and
• one of…product design, physics, chemistry, business, computing (and others)
• AND
• Engineering (7 units—worth 1.5 A levels)

Student assignments during the two years mainly take the form of practical project work, case studies and presentations and are closely linked to the modern engineering industry but two of the compulsory units will be externally examined. There will be several site visits to engineering companies. Students learn the necessary skills in science and maths to equip them to be successful engineers and to access higher level courses.

The units we study are:

• Unit 1 Engineering principles (exam)
• Unit 2 Delivery of engineering processes safely as a team
• Unit 3 Engineering product design and manufacture (extended exam from a brief)
• Unit 4 Applied commercial and quality principles in engineering
• Unit 10 Computer aided design in engineering
• Unit 19 Electronic devices and circuits
• Unit 35 Computer programming

Example student 2 (mainly 5s and 4s at GCSE)

• One A level
• Product design, business or computing
• AND
• Engineering BTEC (7 units—worth 1.5 A Levels)
• See the seven unit titles listed above
• AND core maths in one year (worth 0.4 A Level)
• AND
• Edexcel’s project qualification (worth 0.5 A Levels) in Year 13

Students will work in school on an engineering based project in Year 13 that can be a case study, essay or more likely an artefact (a redesigned and improved product or even a new invention). Students have access to the facilities at Sheffield Hallam University as well as extra tutorial support. This project is worth 0.5 of an A level and is initially assessed in school. Many students have achieved A* (and 70 UCAS points) grades in the last three years.

Work placement

If students wish to arrange a two week engineering work placement at a convenient point in the course the school will support this. It can be useful when applying for courses or obtaining apprenticeships.

What do I need to study engineering?

Students who have a grade 6 in GCSE maths will be eligible to study A level maths (preferred by most universities). Additionally students wishing to study A level sciences should have a grade 6 or better in science GCSEs.

To enter the sixth form 5 good pass grade GCSEs (or relevant equivalent qualifications) are required including at least Grade 4 in english and grade 5 in maths and sciences. A grade 5 in a design and technology subject or a pass grade in a BTEC Level 2 engineering.

The engineering course...

• Provides young people with a higher-level education based on an engineering industry driven curriculum
• Allows young people to explore what engineering is about and examine the different opportunities it has to offer – without restricting their future education or career choices
• Provides young people with important life skills as well as a foundation in engineering principles. Theoretical knowledge is backed up by a strong emphasis on learning by doing
• Shows students learn how to think for themselves; how to problem solve; how to communicate; how to work independently; and how to function successfully as part of a team
• Provides several industrial visits and real life projects linked to industry
• Is supported by many top universities - Manchester and Sheffield Universities for example have stated that they will welcome applications from students with the new Level 3 BTEC Engineering qualifications, alongside A Level Maths (A*-B)