A design-and-build programme in which pupils learn the engineering design process, create working models and prototypes, explore mechanisms and improve ideas through testing, creativity and evidence.
Imagine. Build. Test. Improve.
The programme follows a structured learning journey. Sessions 1 and 2 are foundation sessions and do not include hands-on experiments. From Session 3 onward, practical investigations and applied challenges are introduced where appropriate.
Learning focus: Engineering disciplines, inventions, problem identification and the design cycle.
Practical / learning activity: Foundation session — case studies, discussion and sketching only; no hands-on experiment/build.
Learning focus: Identify a problem, define requirements, generate ideas, sketch solutions, plan prototypes, test and improve.
Practical / learning activity: Foundation session — analyse example inventions and create design plans only; no hands-on experiment/build.
Learning focus: How shape affects strength and stability.
Practical / learning activity: Compare flat, folded and rolled paper structures under load.
Learning focus: Loads, span, strength and structural design.
Practical / learning activity: Design, build and test a bridge against defined structural criteria.
Learning focus: Base width, centre of gravity and load distribution.
Practical / learning activity: Tower challenge followed by controlled stability tests.
Learning focus: Strength, flexibility, waterproofing and material selection.
Practical / learning activity: Test common materials against a product brief.
Learning focus: Effort, load, pivot and mechanical advantage.
Practical / learning activity: Build simple first-, second- or third-class lever models.
Learning focus: Rotation, speed and direction in mechanisms.
Practical / learning activity: Model linked rotation and investigate changes in speed and direction.
Learning focus: Simple machines, rolling resistance and transport.
Practical / learning activity: Build/test a simple wheeled chassis.
Learning focus: Circuits, conductors, components and electrical safety.
Practical / learning activity: Build a simple low-voltage circuit where equipment is available.
Learning focus: Circuit troubleshooting and design.
Practical / learning activity: Construct/test series circuit arrangements or paper-circuit alternatives.
Learning focus: Forces affecting vehicles and efficient design.
Practical / learning activity: Ramp vehicle investigation changing mass or wheel alignment.
Learning focus: Apply the engineering design cycle to transform an idea into a working model.
Practical / learning activity: Create, test and evaluate a prototype against defined performance criteria.
Learning focus: Testing, evidence, failure analysis and redesign.
Practical / learning activity: Stress-test the prototype and make one evidence-based improvement.
Learning focus: Human-centred design, usability and accessibility.
Practical / learning activity: Design a simple aid for carrying, reaching, gripping or organising.
Learning focus: Linked movement, pulleys, wheels, axles and force transfer.
Practical / learning activity: Create a small lifting or movement-transfer system.
Learning focus: How air pressure can transmit force.
Practical / learning activity: Build a simple pneumatic lifter with two needle-free syringes and tubing.
Learning focus: Wind energy, blade shape, angle and efficiency.
Practical / learning activity: Compare paper/card wind-turbine blade designs using a fan or manual airflow.
Learning focus: Durability, strength, weight, reuse and environmental impact.
Practical / learning activity: Material selection challenge based on a product design brief.
Learning focus: Compression, tension, stability and dynamic loads.
Practical / learning activity: Build an earthquake-resistant tower and test it on a simple shake tray.
Learning focus: Function, ergonomics, user needs and iterative prototyping.
Practical / learning activity: Redesign an everyday object and create a prototype.
Learning focus: Technology that supports independence and access.
Practical / learning activity: Design and build an assistive prototype such as a reacher, holder or stabiliser.
Learning focus: Infrastructure, transport, energy, waste and connected systems.
Practical / learning activity: Build a model city with integrated transport, energy, waste and infrastructure systems.
Learning focus: Efficiency, rolling resistance, aerodynamics and sustainable mobility.
Practical / learning activity: Build/test a balloon-powered or ramp-powered vehicle.
Learning focus: Creativity, innovation, problem definition, prototyping, testing and iteration.
Practical / learning activity: Design, build and test an original invention or working model, then refine it using test evidence.
Learning focus: Demonstration, evidence and design communication.
Practical / learning activity: Present the problem, prototype, test evidence and improvements.
One registration for the complete programme year.
Choose full yearFamilies will be able to follow what has been covered, open selected notes and resources, access further activities and see programme progress from phone, tablet or computer.
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