Visions and Aims
Our vision is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to become confident, capable and resourceful engineers who can apply their learning to solve real-world problems and contribute positively to society. Through an ambitious, practical and project-based curriculum, students develop a strong understanding of engineering principles, materials, manufacturing processes, systems and the technologies that shape the modern world.
At Bourne Community College, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity and innovation, encouraging students to think critically, work collaboratively and approach challenges with resilience and precision. Students develop the confidence to investigate problems, generate solutions, produce and test outcomes, and evaluate their work against technical and functional requirements. They learn the importance of accuracy, quality, health and safety, and sustainable engineering practice.
Our curriculum prepares students for the next stage of their education, training or employment when they leave us at the end of Year 11. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application and real-world engineering contexts, we aim to open doors to further study, technical qualifications, apprenticeships and careers across the engineering and wider STEM sectors. Ultimately, we want every student to recognise their potential, understand the value of engineering and feel empowered to help shape the future.
Staff
Mr D Ellis (Community Partnership Lead, Teacher of Computing and Engineering)
Miss J Newman (Head of Technology)
Mrs S Wareham (Teacher of Design Technology and Engineering)
Mr G Noyce (Technology faculty technician)
Curriculum Aims
- Develop technical knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, materials, components, systems, tools, equipment and manufacturing processes
- Build practical competence and precision through designing, making, assembling, testing and evaluating engineering solutions using appropriate tools, equipment and processes.
- Strengthen problem-solving and analytical thinking by enabling students to investigate challenges, interpret technical information, apply mathematical and scientific principles, and make informed engineering decisions.
- Inspire creativity and innovation by encouraging students to generate ideas, explore alternative solutions and improve designs in response to real-world needs and constraints.
- Promote safe and responsible practice by embedding health and safety, workshop discipline, quality control and an understanding of the responsibilities associated with engineering.
- Embed sustainability and environmental awareness by exploring efficient use of materials and resources, reducing waste and considering the environmental and social impact of engineering products and processes.
- Develop transferable employability skills including teamwork, communication, organisation, independent learning, time management, attention to detail and resilience.
- Connect learning to industry and STEM by demonstrating how engineering draws on mathematics, science, design and technology to address challenges in manufacturing, construction, transport, energy and emerging technologies.
- Support progression and aspiration by preparing students for further education, technical training, apprenticeships and employment, while helping them recognise the range of opportunities available within engineering and related industries.
Subject curriculum overview
In year 10, students develop skills in CAD in particular with significant use of 2D Design and Solidworks. Students design and make products including a model plane, crane, a battery powered buggy, a clamp and a vernier calliper. Throughout the year, students cover a wide range of theory including disciplines of Engineering, SI units, technical drawing, and materials. Students are assessed on understanding at the end of each half term.
In year 11, students complete a project set by the exam board which counts for 60% of the final grade. This involves manufacturing a product, but also producing around 20 slides of written and drawing work as well. Once this project is completed, the remaining time is spent preparing students for a 1h30 exam at the end of the course.
Qualifications
NCFE Level 1 / 2 Technical Award in Engineering
Resources to help your child
We have licence codes for Solidworks which are updated annually. If your child would like to develop their Solidworks skills, they can ask their class teacher for a copy of the codes to use.
We run a range of after-school activities including Greenpower, STEM club, LEGO League, coursework support sessions, and other sessions as competitions come up nationally. Students have access to all their work and further resources on Google classroom.
