Withdrawal of GCSE Engineering (Single/Double Award) (J322, J344) and GCSE Manufacturing (Single/Double Award) (J505, J510)

Following a review of qualifications available for redevelopment for first teaching in 2017, difficult decisions have been taken not to redevelop GCSE Engineering or GCSE Manufacturing. We know that this will be disappointing news for teachers. 

We offer as broad a range of qualifications to support teachers and students as possible. However, on-going reform by government and the exams regulator, low levels of uptake and the availability of alternative OCR qualifications in these subjects, mean that GCSE Engineering will no longer be available through OCR and GCSE Manufacturing will not be available through any awarding body following the final assessment series in June 2018. As a not for profit organisation, these are difficult decisions based on managing our commitments to reach as many teachers and learners as possible. 

We will continue to support and assess the current qualifications up to the conclusion of the final assessment series.

Manufacturing:

Engineering:

OCR has a range of other subjects available that have been redeveloped for first teaching in 2015 and 2016. We are currently developing other AS, A Level and GCSE subjects for first teach in 2017 e.g. GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology and an AS/A Level Design Engineering endorsement through Design and Technology.

For centres looking for an alternative GCSE Level course to replace our GCSE Engineering and GCSE Manufacturing qualifications, we would recommend our Cambridge Nationals in Engineering suite:

• Engineering Manufacture Level 1/2 Award/Certificate (J832, J842): Engineering manufacture is a discipline of engineering dealing with different manufacturing practices and processes using the machines, tools and equipment that turn raw materials into new products. This qualification will enable your students to study these processes. It will also allow them to operate the tools and equipment used to make products from the requirements of a design specification, as well as use relevant computer applications such as CAD/CAM, and CNC equipment.
  
• Engineering Design Level 1/2 Award/Certificate (J831, J841): Engineering design is a process used to develop and enhance new products and systems as a response to market opportunities. This qualification is an opportunity for your students to develop a design specification and study the processes involved in designing new engineered products. They’ll use practical skills such as drawing, computer modelling and model making to communicate design ideas. The qualification will also encourage them to consult with a client and, with its practical focus, will engage them in producing, testing and evaluating a prototype in the form of a model.
• Principles in Engineering and Engineering Business Level 1/2 Award/Certificate (J830, J840): Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social and practical knowledge to design, build and maintain machines, devices, systems and structures using different materials and processes. This qualification concentrates on the wider context that underpins engineering. Your students will look at fundamental principles applied to practical applications, as well as how businesses are structured and operate in a competitive world, manage sustainable engineering and keep products and services at their optimum performance.
  
• Systems Control in Engineering Level 1/2 Award/Certificate (J833, J843): Systems control in engineering is the study of microprocessor control that uses sensors, feedback and actuators that constantly adjust for a desired performance. Through this qualification, your students will explore these computer and microprocessor applications. They’ll learn how systems are used in engineering environments such as product design, automated manufacturing, maintenance and stock control. They’ll also take part in engaging practical tasks such as producing simple electronic circuits, testing the operation of circuits, and designing and testing a simple control system.

GCSE Manufacturing is not currently being redeveloped by any awarding bodies. However, GCSE Engineering is currently being redeveloped by other awarding bodies. Information on providers of general qualifications can be found on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. 

For further information on deadlines for submitting entries, entry amendments/withdrawals and the submission of marks for internal assessment please see the Administration pages on the website. 

If you have any queries about this notice, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email engineering@ocr.org.uk