Miss F Cumbo	Lead Teacher Art, Design & Technology
Mr M Watson	Teacher of Engineering

What is Engineering Design?

Cambridge National Engineering Design is a practical and engaging qualification for pupils who are interested in how products are designed, developed and manufactured.

The course introduces pupils to the engineering design process and allows them to explore how designers take an initial idea or problem and develop it into a successful product. Pupils learn about the different stages of designing, the importance of understanding the needs of a client or user, and how designs are developed, tested and improved.

The qualification combines academic knowledge with practical and applied learning. Pupils have opportunities to communicate their own design ideas through sketching, engineering drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD), as well as producing and evaluating models and prototypes.

What will pupils study?

The course is divided into three units:

R038 – Principles of Engineering Design

Pupils learn about the different stages of the engineering design process and how designers use these to develop effective products.

They explore the requirements of design briefs and specifications, consider the needs of different users and learn how research can inform design decisions. Pupils also investigate how designs are developed, tested and evaluated and how factors such as materials, manufacturing processes and sustainability can influence engineering design.

R039 – Communicating Designs

This practical unit focuses on the different ways that engineers and designers communicate their ideas.

Pupils develop their ability to produce sketches and engineering drawings and learn how drawings are used to communicate important information about a product. They also develop their Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills, creating accurate digital representations of their design ideas.

The unit helps pupils understand the importance of accuracy, presentation and effective communication within engineering and design.

R040 – Design, Evaluation and Modelling

In this practical unit, pupils explore how existing products can be analysed and evaluated to help inform new designs.

They investigate products to understand how and why they have been designed and consider areas such as their function, materials, manufacture and suitability for the intended user.

Pupils then use this understanding to develop their own design ideas and produce models or prototypes. They learn how modelling can be used to test a design and how evaluation and feedback can be used to identify improvements.

How will pupils be assessed?

The qualification is assessed through a combination of an external examination and internally assessed assignments:

• R038 – Principles of Engineering Design: a 1 hour 15 minute written examination, worth 70 marks. The examination includes multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-response questions.

• R039 – Communicating Designs: an OCR-set practical assignment worth 60 marks, completed over approximately 10–12 hours.

• R040 – Design, Evaluation and Modelling: an OCR-set practical assignment worth 60 marks, completed over approximately 10–12 hours.

The R039 and R040 assignments are assessed by the school and externally moderated by Cambridge OCR.

This combination of examination and practical coursework gives pupils opportunities to demonstrate their abilities in different ways. It is particularly suited to pupils who enjoy applying their knowledge and producing practical solutions rather than relying solely on written examinations.

What skills will pupils develop?

Throughout the course, pupils develop a wide range of practical, technical and transferable skills that will support them in further education, apprenticeships and future employment.

These include:

• Design skills – developing ideas in response to a design problem, brief or specification.

• Problem-solving – identifying problems and developing appropriate and realistic solutions.

• Creative thinking – generating, developing and refining original design ideas.

• Technical drawing – producing sketches and engineering drawings to communicate ideas accurately.

• Computer Aided Design (CAD) – using digital design techniques to develop and communicate engineering solutions.

• Practical modelling skills – producing models and prototypes to test and demonstrate design ideas.

• Analysis and evaluation – examining existing products and evaluating designs to identify strengths, weaknesses and possible improvements.

• Research skills – gathering and using information to support effective design decisions.

• Accuracy and attention to detail – working precisely and understanding the importance of accuracy within engineering.

• Planning and organisation – managing practical tasks and longer-term assignments and working effectively to deadlines.

• Communication skills – presenting technical information and design ideas clearly using a range of different methods.

• Independence and resilience – taking responsibility for developing work and recognising that successful designs often require ideas to be tested, adapted and improved.

These skills are valuable not only within engineering but across a wide range of technical, creative and professional careers.

Where could Engineering Design take me?

Cambridge National Engineering Design provides an excellent foundation for pupils interested in progressing to further study, apprenticeships or eventually a career within engineering, product design, manufacturing, construction or other technical industries.

Possible career pathways include:

• Design Engineer – developing and improving products, components and engineering solutions.

• Mechanical Engineer – designing, developing and maintaining mechanical systems and products.

• Manufacturing Engineer – developing and improving the processes used to manufacture products.

• Product Designer – designing and developing products that meet the needs of users.

• CAD Technician – producing detailed computer-generated technical drawings and designs.

• Engineering Technician – providing practical and technical support within engineering environments.

• Automotive Engineer – working on the design, development and manufacture of vehicles and their systems.

• Aerospace Engineer – contributing to the design and development of aircraft and aerospace technology.

• Civil Engineer – designing and developing infrastructure such as buildings, bridges and transport systems.

• Electrical or Electronic Engineer – designing and developing electrical systems, equipment and technology.

• Architectural Technician – using technical drawing and CAD skills to support the design and construction of buildings.

• Industrial Designer – combining creativity and engineering knowledge to develop products for manufacture.

• Prototype or Model Maker – producing models and prototypes that allow designs to be tested and developed.

• Engineering Project Manager – planning and overseeing engineering projects and coordinating the people and resources involved.

Many of these careers require further study, apprenticeships or professional qualifications after leaving school. However, Cambridge National Engineering Design provides an excellent introduction to engineering principles and develops the practical, technical and problem-solving skills needed for progression into this sector.