Complete revision notes for A-Level Engineering covering 26 topics across 6 strands. Aligned with the AQA 8852 & WJEC WJEC 5799QA specifications. Covers engineering materials, manufacturing processes, systems, testing, modern technologies and practical engineering skills.
A-Level Engineering develops students' understanding of engineering principles, materials and manufacturing processes. AQA 8852 has two components: Paper 1 (Written Exam, 60%, 2 hours) covering all subject content sections; and NEA (Non-Exam Assessment, 40%, approximately 30 hours) involving a practical engineering project with drawings, prototype and portfolio. WJEC WJEC 5799QA has three units: Unit 1 (Manufacturing, internal), Unit 2 (Designing, internal) and Unit 3 (Solving Engineering Problems, 40%, 1hr 30min exam). Both test knowledge, application and evaluation.
| Paper | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (AQA) | Written Exam | 60% | 2 hours |
| NEA (AQA) | Practical Engineering Project | 40% | ~30 hours |
| Unit 3 (WJEC) | Solving Engineering Problems | 40% | 1hr 30min |
| AO | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and processes | 25% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge, understanding and skills in different engineering contexts | 50% |
| AO3 | Analyse and evaluate evidence in relation to engineering contexts | 25% |
All 26 topics are aligned with the AQA 8852 and WJEC WJEC 5799QA specifications. AQA Paper 1 covers engineering materials, manufacturing processes, systems, testing, modern technologies and practical skills. WJEC WJEC covers manufacturing, designing and solving engineering problems. Each topic page indicates the relevant specification content and provides calculation and application practice aligned with AO2 and evaluation practice aligned with AO3.
Engineering Materials: Metals, polymers, composites, material properties, selection and sustainability
Manufacturing Processes: Additive, subtractive, shaping, casting, joining and surface finishing processes
Systems: Mechanical, electrical, electronic, structural and pneumatic systems
Testing & Investigation: Modelling, calculation, testing methods, aerodynamics and quality control
Modern Technologies & Impact: Automation, Industry 4.0, social and environmental impact, ethics and sustainability
Practical Engineering Skills: Engineering drawings, CAD/CAM, production planning, problem-solving and assessment technique
Access official past papers and mark schemes:
| Exam Board | Past Papers & Mark Schemes |
|---|---|
| AQA / WJEC | AQA & WJEC A-Level Engineering Past Papers ↗ |