Engineering

Introduction

St Joseph's Technology/Engineering Department has recently been given a £1.2million upgrade, equipping us with up to date CAD, CAM and Engineering resources. The study of Engineering contributes to the social, intellectual, physical and moral development of pupils. Therefore, the aims of Engineering are closely aligned to the general school aims and mission statement of being a centre of knowledge and goodness and to generally develop pupils within the Catholic ethos of respect for the environment and the community.

Through this upgrade the facilities have been greatly modernised with ‘state of the art’ machinery and equipment for all aspect of Engineering. As well as all workshop facilities refurbished, there is are dedicated CAD/CAM and ICT planning areas within the department.

In Engineering, we aspire to achieve the general school aim of providing a curriculum that is suited to the needs and abilities of all pupils. We recognise that it is principally a practical subject that should challenge all pupils regardless of ability but at a level appropriate to their talent. As a department we believe that the curriculum should enable young people to develop their potential as individuals, as members of society and as contributors to the economy and the environment. It should develop capability within pupils, providing them with the opportunity to become more aware of how and why things are made and how they work. The subject will provide activities in which pupils can think, reason, plan, execute and evaluate. Against a practical background pupil will utilise knowledge, skills and understanding in investigating and problem solving. We intend to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that will develop the practical, intellectual and emotional skills necessary for life in an ever changing environment and to develop whole school issues such as numeracy, literacy, ICT and where appropriate and natural, scientific principles thus preparing the children for adult life and employment.

Looking ahead, we strive to keep up to date with advances in technology and design, thus preparing our young people for their future in our technological society. Also expanding the department in other areas within Engineering.

At St Joseph’s College, pupils will study Edexcel BTEC Level 2 First Award in Engineering. The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering is taught over 120 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 120 GLH. This BTEC First Award has units that your centre assesses (internal) and a unit that Edexcel sets and marks (external).

Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award 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 and electrical.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering provides an engaging, robust, broad-based introduction to engineering. It provides underpinning knowledge, understanding and practical skills that reflect the needs of employers and higher and further education professionals. It presents knowledge, skills and understanding in a meaningful work-related context, to allow learners to understand theory and application.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering comprises core units that underpin the knowledge and skills that are valued in the engineering sector. One core unit focuses on essential knowledge, and the other core unit focuses on applying essential vocational skills.

BTEC Firsts are QCF Level 2 qualifications designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The qualifications also provide career development opportunities for those already in work. Consequently they provide a course of study for full-time or part-time learners in schools, colleges and training centres.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Engineering also provides the starting point of a route to employment at a junior level in a range of engineering posts. They 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 First Award in Engineering

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award:

is a level 2 qualification; however, it is graded at Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit, Level 2 Distinction, Level 2 Distinction*, Level 1 and Unclassified
is for learners aged 14 years and over
is a 120 guided-learning-hour qualification (equivalent in teaching time to one GCSE)
has core units and optional units
has 25 per cent of the qualification that is externally assessed. Edexcel sets and marks these assessments
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.

This BTEC First Award has units that your centre assesses (internal) and a unit that Edexcel sets and marks (external).

Extra Curricular

The department offers tuition classes after school throughout the year. These have proven popular to pupils who wish to develop their grade throughout Year 11 and 12. Also there is an STEM Club after school which allows pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and interest in the STEM subjects.

Other extra curricular activities include:

Revision classes
Off timetable manufacturing classes
Welding Club
STEM Club.
STEM visits to South West College, Dungannon.
Links with MEGA
Links with local industry – Specdrum, Edge Innovate etc
Collabration Planter Project with Specdrum
Links with Dyson Foundation