Engineering

Knowledge & Skills

Students will acquire: 

• Knowledge of different materials, their properties and uses. 

• Knowledge of different manufacturing processes and which products and materials they are best suited to. 

• Knowledge of how to communicate the information required to make a product. 

• Knowledge of how modern factories are organised to maximise efficiency. 

• The skills to generate 3D designs using CAD (Computer Aided Design) modelling. 

• The skills to make objects safely using hand and power tools. 

• The skills to make objects using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) machines. 

Inclusivity & Accessibility

By its nature, combining theoretical knowledge and its application through practical skills, the curriculum will appeal to different learners. The course mixes practical time in the workshop with theoretical knowledge in the classroom. It often uses case studies and videos from real world applications. Students are given the opportunity to perform research tasks in small groups.

Real-World Application

There are many applications for Engineering in the real world with engineers working on products ranging from modern consumer electronics to personal transportation and large scale infrastructure. Many of the products that we use in everyday life have been designed, tested and built by engineers in order to improve the quality, convenience and safety of modern life whilst also addressing wider societal challenges like the climate crisis. The North West region is home to a number of significant engineering employers including Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Vauxhall and Unilever.  

Brief Introduction

Engineering is an option that begins in Y10 and is also available in the sixth form. Both courses use the OCR exam board, giving greater continuity. Both involve significant elements of coursework which complements the theoretical knowledge, ensuring that students can see its applications as they learn. At KS4 students study for the CNAT (Cambridge Nationals) in Engineering Manufacture, whilst at KS5 the current CTEC (Cambridge Technicals Extended Certificate) will be replaced by the new AAQ (Alternative Academic Qualifications) from September 2025. 

Key Learning Stages

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

Engineering is not taught as a discrete subject at KS3, but students lay the foundation for it through Design and Technology. Here they learn about materials and their properties, as well as how to safely operate machinery and use hand tools in the workshop. They may use basic CAD packages. 

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

Engineering is offered as an option subject at KS4 using the OCR CNAT in Engineering Manufacture. This involves NEA coursework in both Y10 and Y11 and a final exam at the end of Y11. A detailed breakdown follows in the next section but the main elements are materials, processes and understanding the information required to plan and execute both volume and one off production. 

Key Stage 5 (KS5) – A-Level Law (OCR)

In sixth form students have previously studied the OCT CTEC in Engineering. Existing students will continue on this course with the final cohort completing it in summer 2026. From September 2025 students beginning the course will study for the new AAQ. This covers a range of mechanical, electrical and materials engineering. 

The curriculum is divided into three main elements: 

R014 - Principles of engineering manufacture, assessed by an external exam 

R015 – Manufacturing a one off product, assessed as coursework 

R016 – Manufacturing in quantity, assessed as coursework. 

R014 – Principles of Engineering Manufacture 

• Types of manufacturing process 

• Types of manufacturing processes 

• Details of different manufacturing processes 

• Engineering materials 

• Mechanical properties 

• Properties influencing manufacturing 

• Types of materials and how they are processed 

• Manufacturing requirements 

• Interpreting engineering drawings 

• Influence of scale on production method 

• Quality 

• Developments in engineering manufacture 

• Inventory management 

• Lean manufacturing 

• Globalisation 

R015 – Manufacturing a One-Off Product 

• Planning the production of a one-off product 

• Identify manufacturing information from engineering drawings 

• Prepare a production plan 

• Carry out a risk assessment 

• Measuring and marking out 

• Select and safely use equipment 

• Select and use measuring instruments 

• Types of materials and how they are processed 

• Safely using tools and equipment to make a product 

• Manually controlled machining processes 

• Tools and equipment 

• Joining techniques 

• Developments in engineering manufacture 

• Inventory management 

• Lean manufacturing 

• Globalisation 

R016 – Manufacturing in Quantity 

• Preparing for manufacture 

• Manufacture and use production aids 

• Sequence of operations 

• Operating parameters 

• Standard operating procedures 

• Develop programmes to operate CNC equipment 

• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software 

• Programme CNC machine operations 

• Types of materials and how they are processed 

• Safely using processes and equipment to make products in quantity 

• Setting up of CNC equipment 

• Operating CNC equipment 

• Apply quality control methods for volume manufacture 

The curriculum is divided into five main elements: 

F130 - Principles of engineering, assessed by an external exam 

F131 – Materials science and technology, assessed by an external exam 

F132 – engineering in practice, assessed as coursework 

F133 – Computer Aided Design (CAD), assessed as coursework. 

F136 – Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), assessed as coursework 

F130 – Principles of Engineering 

• Mathematics (this is taught as a tool to support all other areas but is not examined as a topic on its own) 

• SI units 

• Mensuration (geometric properties) 

• Algebra 

• Trigonometry 

• Mechanical principles 

• Systems of forces 

• Simply supported beams 

• Linear dynamic systems 

• Electrical/electronic principles 

• Electrical principles 

• Analogue and digital circuits 

 

F131 – Materials Science and Technology 

• Material properties 

• Mechanical properties 

• Physical properties 

• Types of materials 

• Metals 

• Polymers 

• Engineering ceramics 

• Composite materials 

• Modern materials 

• Semiconductor materials 

• Smart materials 

• Effect of processing techniques on material properties 

• Processing techniques and heat treatment 

• Material failure mechanisms and prevention 

• Sustainable materials and practices in engineering 

 

F132 – Engineering in practice 

• Product analysis of components 

• Production of a 2D CAD drawing of mechanical components 

• Plan the safe manufacture of mechanical and electronic circuit prototypes 

• Manufacture a mechanical and an electronic circuit prototype 

• Evaluation of mechanical and electronic prototypes 

F133 – Computer Aided Design (CAD) 

• Producing 3D CAD models 

• Understanding the uses of CAD 

• Creating sketch geometry 

• Solid modelling tools 

• Variations and configurations 

• Production of a 3D CAD assembly 

• Drawing standards and conventions 

• Using projection and units 

• Applying dimensioning and annotations 

• Assembly drawings 

• Simulations in 3D modelling 

• Types of simulations 

• Setting up and running simulations 

• Analysing results of simulations 

• Engineering principles of design 

F136 – Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) 

• Subtractive and additive CAM processes 

• Commercial subtractive processes 

• Commercial additive processes 

• 3D CAD modelling of prototype components 

• Producing 3D CAD models 

• Design for subtractive and additive processes 

• Manufacturing prototypes using subtractive processes 

• Producing a CNC program 

• Using CNC machines 

• Manufacturing prototypes using additive processes 

• Plan, setup and use an additive machine 

• Evaluating components made by additive or subtractive processes 

Examinations

KS4 

Students sit one written exam at the end of Y11; it lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is worth 40% of the final mark. 

There are two NEA projects to complete, one in Y10 and one in Y11. These are matched to the two main topics within R015 and R016 i.e. manufacturing a one off and manufacturing in quantity. Each NEA is worth 30% of the final total mark. The assessment criteria are provided by the exam board and so students are able to check that their work and the report which details it will have the best chance of scoring marks. 

KS5 

Students sit two written exams, lasting either 1 hour 30 minutes or 1 hour 15 minutes. These are externally assessed by OCR and make up 40% of the total final mark. There are four exam windows across the two year period, in January and May, and students normally take the written exams as close to finishing the module as possible so that it remains fresh in their minds. There is an opportunity for them to resit each paper up to twice, giving them a total of three attempts maximum. 

• F130: Principles of Engineering, 1hr 30mins– 70 marks 

• F131: Materials Science and Technology, 1hr 15mins– 50 marks 

Each paper includes a combination of short, medium and extended response questions. 

The three NEA modules are assessed internally by Neston staff and the marks submitted to the OCR moderator for verification; this usually includes an in-person visit. The three modules can be submitted during the same windows as the written examinations. The total contribution from coursework is 60%. The marks are as follows: 

• F132: Engineering in practice – 70 marks 

• F133: Computer aided design (CAD) – 55 marks 

• F136: Computer aided manufacture – 55 marks 

Formative Assessment

In addition to formal exams, students engage in regular formative assessment throughout the course. Engineering is predominantly about problem solving and so students will be given lots of opportunity to practice problem solving in and out of class. This includes: 

• Retrieval tasks at the start of each lesson. 

• Practice questions during the lesson with answers provided by the teacher 

• Practice questions for homework or independent study time which students will self mark using a mark scheme provided. 

• Intensive practice exam questions in the run up to external exams with self marking and reporting to the teacher to assess progress. 

Purpose and Impact

The assessment strategy is designed to: 

• Build confidence and resilience in tackling technical and mathematical problem solving 

• Support long-term retention of knowledge through spaced and interleaved practice 

• Encourage students to become independent learners who can critique their own work, correct mistakes and learn from these to improve for the future 

• Ensure students are well-prepared for final exams 

Teaching Approach

Since Engineering is new subject at KS4 there is a large element of directed learning for the externally examined content, where teachers act as subject experts guiding students through new knowledge. However, some tasks may use independent research tasks to enable students to find answers to broad topic questions and then compare these to the material prepared by the teacher. Once this knowledge students will be given either retrieval or application tasks. In the NEA section the emphasis is on students learning and applying new skills in the workshop with many practical tasks such as drawing, marking out, programming, CAD and use of machines.  

At KS5 there is also a substantial amount of new knowledge but a greater emphasis on independent problem solving. Students will be given new knowledge through direct instruction but then very quickly move on to use it in practice problems. 

Independent reading and note-making

• To support learning beyond the classroom, there is an expectation that students will complete further practice questions in time outside the classroom as well as compiling shortened notes for revision materials. In the runup to exams it is expected that they will be completing and self-marking past paper questions as a means of exam preparation. 

Recommended Texts and Resources

At KS4 students will make notes from class materials since there is no published textbook. Relevant resources will also be made available on MS Teams. At KS5 there is a textbook and the school will make available either a hard copy or digital copy to assist students.  

Extracurricular Activities

To enrich the curriculum and provide real-world experience, students are encouraged to participate in a range of extracurricular opportunities, including: 

• Visits to local engineering companies 

• Looking for engineering related work experience in Y10 and Y12 

Students who study Engineering to the end of the sixth form can then use this as a platform to continue their studies at university. Others may choose to apply for a degree apprenticeship which combines study with work. The apprenticeship route is also available starting at a lower level for those who leave at the end of Y11 the chance to have studied Engineering giving them an advantage. Several of our students have been successful in applying to TTE and Wirral Met. Even those who go on to study other subjects will be able to demonstrate the vital skills of analysis and problem solving. 

As a non-KS3 option it is important that students and parents feel free to approach the departmental staff with questions. There are opportunities to do this at the Y9 options evening prior to starting the course as well as parents evenings once they have started on the course. As a department we aim to communicate with home when coursework ramps up to ensure that students do not fall behind. Parents can get in touch at any time.  

Subject Lead Contact 

For any subject-specific queries, curriculum information, or academic support, please contact: 

Mr A Miatt 
Subject Lead for Engineering 
 miatta@nestonhigh.com 

Additional Support 

Students also benefit from the expertise of: 

Mr Pat Link 
Specialist Teacher of Engineering and School STEM co-ordinator 
 linkp@nestonhigh.com 
He provides frequent after school opportunities to complete project work in the workshop as well as organising enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom.