Subjects > Technology > BTEC Engineering
Intermediate GNVQ
BTec First Certificate in Engineering – equivalent to 2 GCSE’s – grades A to C.
This course requires pupils to study four units of work; two core units and two specialist units.
Core Units
Working practices in Engineering – deals with health and safety issues in the working environment and will provide pupils with an understanding of potential hazards in Engineering workshops and how to manage risks and carry out risk assessments. Using an interpreting Engineering information – provides pupils with a knowledge of working drawings and other related information needed for working in Engineering.Specialist Units
Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques – extends the core drawing unit into generating Engineering drawings using CAD software – Techsoft 2D and Prodesktop are the software packages used in this unit.
Using Secondary Machining Techniques – requires pupils to produce engineered articles using the centre lathe and nulling machine to a high standard and to explain in detail how these machines operate.
There is no final exam in this course; the final grade is awarded by a process of continuous assessment; in all the units of study pupils are required to generate work that meet specific criteria in order to achieve a grade. The final grades are awarded as:
- Distinction (equivalent grade A)
- Merit (equivalent grade B)
- Pass (equivalent grade C)
- Fail
Only 25% of the time is allocated to practical activities; the remaining time and regular homework is spent on assignments that are essential to passing the course.
This course is very demanding and a selection process takes place so that only pupils deserving of a place get on to the course.
Foundation GNVQ
BTec Introductory Certificate in Engineering – equivalent to 2 GCSE’s – grades D to G.
This course follows a similar format to the first Certificate but is set at a slightly easier level. There are still four units of work to be studied:
- Starting work in Engineering – is an externally assessed unit of work that is set by the exam board.
- Developing skills in Engineering – as the title implies is about learning to use a range of tools and machinery to produce engineered articles.
- Social responsibility at work – deals with health and safety issues.
- Planning and Making a Machined Product – requires pupils to design the production processes and carry them out to achieve a finished piece of practical work.
There is more opportunity for practical work in this course but pupils are still required to achieve the criteria set in each unit of work in order to achieve their final grade.
Pupils who choose this subject will also follow a course in Basic Construction Skills (Joinery) – Introductory Certificate.
Basic Construction Skills (Introductory Certificate)
This course is taught at school. It has been devised by City and Guilds to provide basic training in construction skills for pupils possibly seeking employment in the construction industry. The course provides specific training on joinery skills associated with the industry.
The first part of the course is aimed at developing practical skills and understanding formal drawing styles. When pupils have mastered these skills they must then complete a series of timed practical tests to a set of specific criteria. The outcome is then assessed by the tutor and pass/fail awarded. To complete the qualification, pupils must make a specific product from a short list provided by the exam board.
Work is assessed by the teacher and then verified by an external assessor. There is also an online Health and Safety test presented as multiple choice questions.