Welcome to Engineering
Engineering Department
Our Engineering curriculum empowers students to explore, create, and innovate, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences. Students are encouraged to apply scientific and mathematical principles to design, analyse, and improve systems and structures, preparing them for the challenges of an evolving technological landscape. Through a curriculum grounded in real-world applications, students gain an understanding of the impact of engineering on society, considering factors such as sustainability, ethics, and global challenges. By engaging with cutting-edge technologies and collaborative projects, students learn to think like engineers, developing solutions that address contemporary issues and making a tangible difference in the world around them.
Engineering
Engineering enables students to experience authentic problem solving; it is an increasingly innovative area where students are able to solve problems that require creativity in triangulation with key maths and science knowledge and understanding. It introduces students to a host of new technologies and, helping them to gain practical skills and understanding to inspire students to pursue a career within the vast range of engineering fields.
All students at KS3 study Engineering; whilst a wide range of Engineering key skills and knowledge are covered there is a particular focus on Mechanical, Systems, Electrical and Electronic Engineering which consist of a range of transferrable skills and knowledge that can be used in other Engineering disciplines.
Engineering is a very popular intended career path of our students as it allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in different contexts, including through the use of a range of tools, equipment, materials, components and manufacturing processes. Through this, students are able to make decisions on products, materials and systems based on sound knowledge of mathematical and scientific technical principles to establish a STEM mind-set.
Your son can develop his skills and knowledge of using software by downloading and practicing Solidworks and Techsoft V3 at home where possible. Licence keys can be obtained from the department teachers. He can also use the wide range of resources available on the Student SharePoint under Engineering
Engineering is also an integral part of the STEM provision across the Federation.
GCSE Engineering is an extremely popular option and the AQA GCSE Engineering Specification is undertaken by our students.
GCSE Engineering- is made up of a 2 hour exam at the end of Year 11 and NEA which are weighted at 60% and 40% respectively.
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/engineering/gcse/engineering-8852/specification-at-a-glance
STEM
STEM is well established at our school and we have been recognised for the provision we are providing by STEM Learning. Our long term strategy at Madani Schools Federation is being enhanced and implemented year on year and we are committed to ensuring all students have the best possible experience across STEM subjects, inspiring them to develop high levels of skills in Science, Design Technology, Engineering and Maths enabling them to contribute towards the prosperity, stability and growth of the UK’s economy in the future.
STEM Education within our schools not only intends to develop the subject knowledge of students within STEM subjects but also a range of skill-sets including: adaptability, creative problem solving, problem finding, systems thinking, visualising and improving. These are vital skills for students to develop as they are required for many careers. The STEM subjects have many natural overlaps and therefore much of the subject knowledge is enhanced and consolidated further across the individual subjects.
Across both schools a wide range of activities take place in Engineering and STEM week (in March) and STEM day to encourage students to enhance their skills and knowledge within STEM areas.
Did you know?
- STEM-related careers are some of the highest-paid globally, with average salaries in the UK reaching around £65,000 per year (jacksonhogg).
- 72% of UK businesses rely on people with STEM skills and qualifications (GOV.UK).
- Despite the demand, 43% of STEM vacancies remain hard to fill due to a shortage of skilled candidates (Luminate).
- Approximately 173,000 new STEM jobs are expected to be created annually, yet tens of thousands go unfilled (Luminate) (Explore our statistics and data).
- STEM jobs are projected to grow by 4% by 2030, with even higher growth in tech and engineering due to advancements in AI, quantum computing, and sustainability (Explore our statistics and data).
- The UK’s STEM skills shortage is costing the economy an estimated £1.5 billion per year (Luminate).
- Beyond technical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration are increasingly essential in STEM roles (jacksonhogg).
- The UK ranks above many OECD countries, with 19% of tertiary-educated adults holding qualifications in engineering, manufacturing, or construction (Luminate)