Back to experiences

Speaker

How to design Concorde

A masterclass in engineering design: how to design world beating products by breaking complex products into simple components.

How to design Concorde

Inspire your students to learn how to design ANYTHING by breaking complex products into simple components, in this 1 hour masterclass with a passionate STEM Ambassador!

The free masterclass is aimed at 12 to 18 year-olds in schools in the Bristol area, and will look at what engineering thinking is and how it links to design thinking.

The content supports the development of ‘top down’ thinking using systems engineering and modular design skills that engineers use to design complex products such as aircraft, trains and spacecraft.

The speaker will provide an accessible introduction to the topic of structured problem solving by creating simple systems diagrams of world beating products such as Concorde, the world's first and most successful supersonic passenger airliner.

The masterclass is broken down into:

  • engineering skills
  • disruptive innovation
  • engineering skills development (linking to key engineering developments in history)
  • simple design exercises.

Each section examines an element of engineering attempting to define it and outline any key skills or key points.

Reflective thinking tasks are provided along with useful links for further investigation in class, including the use of a free product design software tool to create a systems diagram of a mobile phone.

 

 

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

Subjects and topics

    • Computing
    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Maths
    • Physics
    • Electronics, robotics and programming
    • General engineering
    • Materials, products and manufacturing
    • Mechanical engineering, systems and processes
    • Space and aerospace engineering
    • Transport

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

Log in to write a testimonial
Icon representing Secondary education Secondary
Event

Big Bang at School Blueprint

Does your school need some Big Bang magic? Host an inspiring STEM day filled with amazing science and engineering activities and workshops.

  • Ages 11 to 16
  • In-school
  • Full day
  • Free
Icon representing Secondary education Secondary
Project

Enspire City

Enspire City - where students learn how engineers and STEM can change our world in a free to use online cityscape.

  • Ages 11 to 16
  • Online
  • 1 to 2 hours
  • Free
Icon representing Secondary education Secondary
Competition

COYO Challenge 2024

Challenging secondary school teams to design a NET ZERO rail station; a community hub that stands out as a beacon of sustainability, and a route that connects to a mainline station.

  • Ages 11 to 16
  • In-school
  • Flexible project work
  • Free

Careers resources