Engineering design

Qualification type: Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2
Exam board: OCR
Course code: J841
Contact: Mr Ringer – sringer@retfordoaks-ac.org.uk

Engineering design covers a wide range of activities based on designing and making products that are manufactured using materials such as wood, metal and plastic in many forms. As well as learning hand skills, you will use a range of industrial processes to shape and form materials into functioning products.

What will be studied?

Students learn a range of practical skills that enable them to solve and adapt to a wide range of challenges. Students need to be:
• imaginative and creative
• problem solvers
• independent thinkers
• organised and able to meet deadlines
• team players

Why study engineering design?

Students will gain valuable transferable skills that will prepare them well for a range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Students learn important theoretical principles using a kinesthetic approach that deepens their understanding of the subject and gives them relevant transferrable skills. The CAD element of this course enables students to showcase exciting and creative designs in a modern way, that will make students highly employable and well prepared for careers in design and engineering.

Assessment structure

This course is assessed through four units:

25% R105: design briefs, design specifications and user
requirements (exam)

25% R106: product analysis and research task
(how products are made)*

25% R107: developing and presenting engineering designs*

25% R108: 3D design realisation (making task)*

* internally assessed

Career opportunities

• Engineering
• Product design
• Furniture design
• CAD designer
• Project management
• Health and safety officer
• Construction
• Building services
• Manufacturing
• Motor vehicle technology and repair
• Agriculture