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Case study 17: Challenging young engineers

This case study shows how a school encourages students' creative and practical talents through activities for young engineers.

mixed-secondary modern school (11 to 18)

setting up a Young Engineers Club

higher design and technology examination grades for students, including some who were in danger of disaffection

Background

The school is a mixed-secondary modern school, with an intake that is well below the national average but GCSE results that are much closer to the norm. The school encourages creative and practical skills, and feels that some of its students are really talented in these areas.

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Implementation

Setting up a Young Engineers Club for students throughout the school has proved very successful. At the moment, the club meets after school once a week, although there are plans to expand it to a lunchtime session next year and possibly to split the year groups. The club has a workshop atmosphere, where boys and girls can explore ideas and develop practical techniques. Staff note the students who attend most regularly and with most enthusiasm, and give some of them responsibility by making them club monitors. In particular, the club has given two students who were at risk of disaffection a real sense of success and belonging.

Now that it is well established, the club has started entering a range of challenges set by Young Engineers (some of them supported by BAA). The challenges are designed to fit the criteria for GCSE and A level Design and Technology, and the school feels that participation can add some spice to the subject and stretch the most able students. The students have to plan and write their own design brief, carry out the necessary research, and make and test a prototype or model.

Recent challenges and club activities that have brought out the best in the most able students have included making:

• a safe hi-tech robot from recyclable materials;
• an intrinsically safe fire-proof waste bin from cheap materials;
• a mobile bird-scarer that is effective in all weathers;
• a miniature bus for infant school children to sit in;
• materials for holding a variety of types of food.

Some sixth formers have also been involved in engineering projects with local manufacturing and engineering employers. Two of these employers have visited the club to see and support the work.

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Impact

Since the club was set up, design and technology results at GCSE and A level have improved and more students are applying for engineering courses at university.

A number of students with average abilities in other subjects have blossomed in the club and have shown high levels of talent in designing and making. The club has developed their practical skills and given them proper recognition through internal awards, providing evidence for their NRAs/Progress Files.

Several disaffected students have been encouraged to join the club and have enjoyed the workshop atmosphere. For some, it has provided a real purpose for being in school, changing their whole attitude to learning.

As a result of better links with local industry, several new work experience placements have been set up and a growing number of employers are signing up to help at future industry days for year 9 and 10 students.

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