Engineering

Vision

At Birchwood Community High School, we believe in the power of aspiration, knowledge, and kindness. Our vision for Design and Technology is to create a learning environment that is rooted in respect and the belief that every student can succeed. We aim to:

Foster Innovation and Creativity: Encourage students to explore their ideas and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, aligning with our commitment to high aspirations.
Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate D&T with subjects like maths, science, history, and art to provide a holistic and engaging educational experience, supporting our goal of comprehensive knowledge acquisition.
Support Practical Skills Development: Ensure students gain hands-on experience and practical skills that are essential for their future careers and personal growth, reflecting our dedication to student success.
Champion Sustainability and Adaptability: Prepare students to address global challenges, such as climate change, with bold and creative solutions, embodying our commitment to kindness and respect for our planet.

In line with national needs, we are committed to addressing the skills gap in Higher Education and the workplace through our D&T curriculum. We strive to prepare our students to become the designers, inventors, and problem-solvers of tomorrow, ready to contribute effectively in their chosen fields.

How do we build on what students learn at KS2?

When considering how to progress from Key Stage 2 (KS2) in Design and Technology (D&T), we adopt a clean slate approach at our school. Understanding that many primary schools do not have specialist teachers or equipment for D&T, we start by teaching the fundamentals. This approach aims to facilitate a smooth transition for students, setting a strong foundation for the remainder of their time at Birchwood School.

By focusing on the basics and ensuring that all students have a solid grasp of key concepts, we can better equip them for the more advanced aspects of D&T education. This approach not only bridges the gap between primary and secondary education but also lays the groundwork for deeper exploration and understanding in the field of Design and Technology.

How do we cover the KS3 National Curriculum and beyond?

At Birchwood School, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to covering the KS3 Design and Technology (D&T) National Curriculum and extending learning beyond the prescribed standards. Our curriculum is designed to foster creativity, precision, innovation, and in-depth subject knowledge through a variety of engaging projects.

In Year 7, students delve into the world of D&T by studying electronics and traditional woodworking methods. Additionally, they develop skills in technical drawing, laying a strong foundation for future projects.

Moving on to Year 8, our focus shifts to iterative design and testing, essential components of informed decision-making. Students engage with practical applications through projects such as building a catapult, exploring advanced mechanisms, and making materials choices based on their properties.

In Year 9, students bring together the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous two years to create a drag racer. This project not only hones their design and construction abilities but also introduces them to CAD design, enhancing their overall designing skills.

Sustainability is a core principle embedded across all our projects. It serves as a guiding principle and underpins the ethos of every task undertaken in our D&T curriculum, instilling a sense of social and environmental responsibility in our students.

Through our tailored projects and hands-on approach, we ensure that students not only meet the requirements of the KS3 D&T National Curriculum but also develop a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of designers and engineers, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.

What we offer beyond the classroom?

At Birchwood Engineering Department, we go beyond the curriculum to provide enriching opportunities for our students. Our extracurricular activities are designed to foster a spirit of engineering and allow students to explore topics beyond what is taught in the classroom.

One of our flagship offerings is the Engineering Club, fondly known as Birchwood Bolts. This student-led club focuses on developing leadership skills and instilling engineering values of collaboration. The club motto, “innovate, collaborate, achieve”, encapsulates our ethos perfectly.

In addition, we offer the F1 Club, a platform for students to participate in national competitions and showcase their engineering prowess. We also celebrate Women in Engineering Day to honour women’s achievements in the field of engineering and inspire future generations.

Furthermore, our Engineering Design Competition, aligned with Engineers Day in the UK, provides a stimulating challenge for students to showcase their creative problem-solving skills.

Through these extracurricular activities, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals with a passion for engineering and a drive for excellence.

What do we cover in KS4 and how do we aspire towards KS5?

At Birchwood School, our approach to Key Stage 4 (KS4) education is centred around building upon the foundational ideas covered in Key Stage 3 and preparing students for progression to Key Stage 5 (KS5). We ensure that our curriculum is carefully structured to cover the KS4 assessment criteria in a methodical and thoughtful manner.

In Year 10, students deepen their understanding of design and manufacturing techniques, expanding their knowledge to include complex machining processes such as turning and milling, as well as a detailed exploration of CAD/CAM applications in industry. This year is pivotal in equipping students with the requisite knowledge and skills to undertake the WJEC coursework Unit 1, which constitutes 40% of the final grade. By following the WJEC engineering exam board, we provide students keen on pursuing engineering as a career with a comprehensive blend of academic challenge and practical skills sought after by both colleges and apprenticeship providers.

Moving on to Year 11, our focus shifts towards fostering analytical and innovative thinking skills, with an emphasis on the design aspect of engineering. Students engage in Unit 2, where they demonstrate their proficiency in the design process by creating a portfolio showcasing user-centred product designs. The year concludes with the examination component, representing 40% of the overall grade, which draws extensively from the content covered in Units 1 and 2, encompassing mathematical modelling and an exploration of modern technological advancements.

Our ultimate goal is to instil in our students a genuine passion for engineering that transcends their time at Birchwood, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that await them beyond KS4.To do this, we: