Head of Department
Mr D Barlow

The Cambridge National Engineering qualifications provide an engaging, robust, broad-based introduction to engineering. The courses comprise of a range of specialist units that underpin the knowledge and skills that are valued in the engineering sector. They reflect the breadth of opportunity and enable further exploration of specific areas of interest. English and mathematics have been contextualised within the assessment aims. This allows learners to practise these essential skills in naturally occurring and meaningful contexts, where appropriate. 

Whilst developing these courses OCR have listened to, and worked closely with, employers such as JCB, Siemens, Rolls-Royce and other professional bodies like the Royal Academy of Engineering, to make sure that the next generation of young engineers are equipped with the skills demanded by employers in the engineering community. We feel that the results of this collaboration will be of benefit to our learners, especially considering the amount of engineering firms in this area. 

The Cambridge Nationals in Engineering courses are aimed at learners who wish to study the processes involved in designing and manufacturing new-engineered products. Learners are provided with the knowledge and skills required to safely use engineering tools and equipment used to manufacture products from the requirements of a design specification. Students will also learn and use relevant computer applications such as CAD/CAM and testing equipment. They will develop their understanding of the processes and systems required to transfer a design concept into a product. A practical approach to teaching and learning will help provide learners with knowledge in engineering technology, develop communication, critical thinking, creativity and dextrous skills through engaging practical experiences. 

Unit Descriptions.
Unit 1: R105 Design Briefs, Specifications and user requirements
Students explore the requirements of design briefs and specifications for the development of new products and how consumer requirements and market opportunities inform these briefs. They develop their understanding of the design cycle, the requirements for a design brief and design specification, and the importance of research data in developing a design solution.

Unit 2: R106 Product research and analysis
Students find out how to perform effective product analysis through both research and practical experience of product assembly and disassembly procedures. This helps them develop skills in critical analysis and an understanding and appreciation of manufacturing processes, design features, materials used and the principles behind good design.

Unit 3: R107 Developing and presenting engineering designs
Students develop their knowledge and skills in communicating 2D and 3D design ideas, including effective annotation and labelling. They use detailed hand rendering as well as computer-based presentation techniques and computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Unit 4: R108 3D Design realisation and manufacturing
Students produce a model prototype and test design ideas in a practical context. 
They evaluate the prototype against the product specification and consider potential improvements to features, function, materials, aesthetics and ergonomics in the final product.

The Cambridge National in Engineering qualification results will be graded on a 7 grade scale with Pass, Merit and Distinction at both levels 1 and 2 and a new grading of Distinction* at Level 2 . These grades are equivalent to GCSE’s. 

Please contact Mr D Barlow for further information.