CTEC Level 3 Engineering (Triple)
COURSE oVERVIEW
Engineering is the application of scientific knowledge to solving problems in the real world. Engineering enables technical understanding to come to life through problem-solving, designing, and building.
EXAMINATION BOARD: ocr
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Standard college entry requirements plus Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and a grade 5 and 4 in GCSE Combined Science or single science 4 in Physics and a 4 in another science.
Why study CTEC Level 3 Engineering at Blackpool Sixth?
You will study academic units that are rarely offered elsewhere. These units have been selected to give students the best start in engineering, and have been chosen in partnership with local universities and engineering companies.
How will I be taught?
Combination of classroom teaching, practical assignments, and group work.
Teacher expertise
The teaching staff is made up of specialists in their areas; for example an electronics and a mathematics specialist. For the practical component, the shop instructor has a wealth of industry experience from his time at Springfield Nuclear Fuels, near Preston.
What skills will I develop?
Apart from applied science sector-specific content, the requirements of the qualification will mean students develop transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by both HE and employers. For example, carrying out practical laboratory tasks, planning investigations, collecting, analysing, and presenting data, and reviewing and refining the methodology of practical and laboratory-based work.
You will also develop other transferable skills such as:
- Working as part of a team – this is used extensively in science since many heads are better than one. Larger tasks can be split into smaller tasks mirroring the way you would work in industry.
- Problem-solving – you will be set several tasks that require you to analyse the question, and find out what you need to do and who you need to consult in order to solve the problem.
- Research skills – you will be expected to research a wide variety of sources including the internet, books and scientific journal articles.
- Organisational skills – a key part of BTEC studies is meeting deadlines and organising your work – as would be expected when working in the sector.
- IT skills – it is crucial that you are able to use IT skills to complete and organise your work. You will be supported and helped throughout your course to develop these skills.
How will I be assessed?
You will complete 18 units. 13 of these are coursework and 5 are exams.
What will you study and other information about CTEC Engineering (Triple)
- What will I study?
- Electronics
- Materials
- Mathematics
- Technical drawing
- Mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Project management
- Equipment and Financial contributions
Students must have a scientific calculator, we strongly recommend the Casio fx-83GTX, which costs around £12. Students also need a 30cm clear ruler, a mechanical pencil, a protractor set, 60 degree and 45 degree set squares.
Software for Circuit Wizard is available from the college and is best used on a Windows based laptop; alternatives are possible if you do not have a PC machine.
- Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
Guest speakers from relevant employers; For example BAE Systems, Ameon, Magellan Aerospace etc. Previously we have ran trips to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Education Academy, Rotatory Technology Tournament, ULCAN Engineering department and the Jaguar Land Rover assembly plant.
Where does it lead?
Students have gone on to study Engineering at a range of universities. They have also taken up apprenticeship positions at leading engineering firms such as BAE Systems.
