Mechanics
To own and run a motor vehicle for our young people can feel like a daunting prospect as they look ahead to driving lessons and ownership. Even if our students don’t want to take the mechanics subject further as a career choice the learning and achievement that occurs at the Tor School garage will be an immensely useful tool in the future of our young people.
Knowledge of motor vehicles and how they work is a powerful thing especially if you need to present a broken car to your local garage or if you find yourself in trouble on the highway with a fault. If our young people are able to perform basic maintenance tasks at home with basic tools the financial savings can be very significant. Students can arrive at Tor school with little or no knowledge of mechanics and leave at 16 years old with ability to be able to deal with car issues in a confident way. This gives our young people many benefits and advantages in a world where bills and expenses are becoming more and more to manage.
A mainly practical experience for learners who are interested in mechanics involving a variety of mechanical-electrical machines. We will cover tools, techniques and processes for the maintenance and repair of Motorcycles, Cars, Garden machinery and bicycles so that learners get a rounded experience in the subject.
Learners will be able to gain AQA Unit Awards in specific operations, for example: servicing a car engine.
There is a range of awards to achieve to suit the learner’s interest and these awards will be very important when applying for courses at college or applying for apprenticeships.
Impact Statement
Intention |
Implementation |
Impact |
The AQA Award scheme in Mechanics at the Tor School is designed for young people who have an interest in cars and other transport/work machines such as garden tractors, go carts and motor cycles. This programme will provide learners with an introduction to the theory and practice of these machines, as well as the practical experience and the technical knowledge needed to study further at a college on a BTEC or City and Guilds course in the automotive industry. Student will learn how to carry out maintenance and repairs on cars, motor cycles, ride on garden tractors and our own Go cart in our equipped garage. The focus will be on practical activities and kinesthetic learning that is suited to the individual needs and interests of the students.
Throughout the course students will study a range of mechanical aspects including:
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Lessons are delivered with context so that the learner understands the purpose and function of components and systems in relation to the whole vehicle and it’s purpose. The lessons are delivered with practical emphasis so that learners “learn by doing”. Students will be directed verbally and by logical steps of progression through a practical task that has an accompanying job card. Once the steps have been completed the learner achieves the unit so that a sense of completion and attainment has been noticed by the learner. The garage has been designed so that it represents a realistic workshop space with real components and vehicle used in the process of learning. |
Our aim is to offer a curriculum which provides students with a variety of workshop / garage activities. The practical opportunities will give, students independence and self-confidence After some time spent on covering key health and safety awareness including good tool use and care the learners are encouraged to follow tasks that will benefit them in the long term giving them life skills with economic benefits for their adult lives. Even knowing how to maintain a vehicle correctly will empower them later on in life, the RAC are not always available! |