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General introduction
The GCSE in Engineering (Double Award), which was introduced in schools, colleges and training providers in September 2002, meets the National Curriculum programme of study for design and technology. The qualification provides a sound basis for advanced level study and progression into vocational training, for example Modern Apprenticeships, and into further and higher level education. It is a three-unit qualification (the units are the same regardless of awarding body offering the qualification). The units, which are equally weighted, cover:
Unit 1 Design and Graphical Communication (Internal assessment)
Unit 2 Engineered Products (Internal assessment)
Unit 3 Application of Technology (External assessment)
The GCSE in Engineering (Double Award) provides students with opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to engineering. They will learn about the principles and processes that underpin the design and manufacture of engineered products, systems and services, and put them into practice within an engineering context. Schools and colleges can choose contexts appropriate to their own situations and that represent the diversity of engineering in a modern world.
However, the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be acquired, such as analysing and solving problems, creativity in producing workable designs, teamwork and communications are also valued in areas outside the world of engineering. The GCSE in Engineering can therefore be seen as a valuable foundation for a wide range of different career options.
The full specification for the GCSE in Engineering Double Award can been found on the websites of the Awarding Bodies offering the qualification, AQA, Edexcel and OCR and a summary of the content can be found on the Qualification page.
The GCSE in Engineering (Double Award) carries two GCSE grades and requires more curriculum time than the single award GCSE Design and Technology. There is more time for the development of professional skills needed by an engineer, such as:
- using engineering and scientific principles to solve problems
- communicating to a variety of audiences and in various forms
- managing time
- managing resources and working within budgets
- managing relationships and working with increasing independence
- working in a team
- business and commercial skills, including understanding of value-for-money
In schools, colleges and training providers, the study programme for the GCSE in Engineering will be designed to enable students to develop these skills progressively, in a planned way. There will be an emphasis of developing a sound grasp of the underpinning engineering and scientific principles.
The GCSE in Engineering Double Award offers several progression routes: for example, into Modern Apprenticeships and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships; into A-levels and qualifications such as ONC and HND and Foundation Degrees; and into Higher Education and first degrees in engineering. For employers, the value of the GCSE in Engineering lies in the fact that the award covers both theory and practice, from the initial processes of design specification and development through selection of materials, manufacturing and fabrication to installation, operation and maintenance.
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