Engineering Science

Engineering Science covers a range of real world issues and solutions.

A qualification in Engineering is a great starting point for a career in a wide range of fields from aerospace to communication, from prosthetics to automation and robotics.  It is a subject that continues to be in high demand because pupils who study it develop analytical and problem-solving skills, a high standard of numeracy, IT competency, physical and computer modelling, and creative and critical thinking skills. Pupils learn about real world issues such as responding to climate change, emerging technologies, power generation and distribution, electronics and communication, structures, renewable energy, and civil engineering.

There are 4 teachers in the Physics and Engineering Science department along with excellent technician support. Pupils are taught in labs all of which are very well-equipped meaning practical work is hands-on for pupils rather than teacher demonstration. We have an additional lab equipped with PCs with software – Yenka, Automatics and logic.ly etc – for pupils to model electrical, electronic and pneumatic circuits, and practice building structures in a safe, virtual world. This lab is also equipped with a compressed air system for pupils to learn about and practice building pneumatic circuits.

In F1 and F2 Engineering Science knowledge and skills are developed within the Physics course.  Pupils learn about electricity and digital electronics, forces and balance beams, and building and testing the strength of structures.

In F3 and F4, pupils study towards the National 5 Engineering Science qualification, building on their practical and problem-solving skills in the contexts of energy and efficiency, analogue and digital electronics, programmable control, drive systems, pneumatics and structures. The approach is more theoretical with an emphasis on calculations, but with an equally strong emphasis on practical work and computer modelling. 

In F5 and F6, pupils enjoy being challenged by the depth of content and problem-solving in the Higher Engineering Science course. They undertake a detailed practical project to showcase the skills they have learned. During this project, pupils must demonstrate a clear understanding of digital and analogue electronics and how to control complex mechanisms and structures.

Pupils are encouraged to participate and supported in activities such as The Engineering the Future for Girls, designed to engage girls in activities that highlight their talents and enhance their self-confidence. We are building our relationships with local industry to enhance the experience of our pupils and to give the course additional context.