Engineering

At Weston Secondary School, our vision is to develop creative, technically capable and motivated young engineers who can confidently design, model and evaluate products that respond to real world needs. Engineering Design enables students to explore how engineered solutions are created, tested and refined, while building resilience, accuracy and critical thinking. Through hands on and digital learning, students gain insight into how engineering shapes modern life, from the products we use daily to the systems that support our communities.

Students experience the satisfaction of turning ideas into functional outcomes, whether through freehand sketching, technical drawing, CAD modelling or physical prototyping. They learn to solve problems logically, justify decisions using engineering principles, and communicate ideas in professional formats used across the engineering industry. Our aim is to help students value technical skill, understand the impact of engineering on society, and recognise pathways into engineering, manufacturing, design and related sectors.

Engineering Design at Key Stage 4 is delivered through the OCR Cambridge National qualification, which introduces students to a blend of practical skills, technical knowledge and industry standard design methods.

In Component RO38, students develop their ability to communicate design ideas through 2D and 3D sketching, isometric drawing, orthographic projection and CAD modelling. They learn how to produce accurate engineering drawings, create assemblies, apply dimensions and generate rendered digital models that reflect real engineering practice.

In Component RO39, students develop their ability to communicate design ideas through 2D and 3D sketching, isometric drawing, orthographic projection and CAD modelling. They learn how to produce accurate engineering drawings, create assemblies, apply dimensions and generate rendered digital models that reflect real engineering practice.

In Component RO40, students deepen their understanding of how engineered products function by analysing existing designs using tools such as ACCESS FM and engineering matrices. They disassemble products to understand materials, components and manufacturing processes, and create virtual and physical prototypes using suitable materials and modelling techniques. They also evaluate their work against design specifications, building an awareness of accuracy, tolerances, safety and quality control.

The curriculum provides a well-structured balance between practical workshop learning, digital design and essential engineering theory. Students learn safe working practices, effective planning methods, and the importance of documenting their design process. This includes using CAD simulations, testing prototypes, and recording progress through work plans, evaluations and iterative improvements.

Engineering Design aligns with national vocational expectations by developing students’ technical competence, analytical thinking, industry vocabulary, environmental awareness and preparation for further study or apprenticeships within engineering, product design or manufacturing.