The Ashbourne Engineering Programme (AEP) is designed to give students the best possible chance of gaining a place at a UK university to study Engineering.
The Programme has three primary aims:
- To develop relevant skills that students can use at university, through group work, presentations, seminars, research and practical activities.
- To stimulate an interest in engineering and help students decide on which stream of engineering is most suitable for them.
- To enable students to build a strong application for university.
Students who wish to pursue a degree in Engineering at Ashbourne are automatically enrolled on to the programme at no extra cost. Undoubtedly, Engineering programmes at top universities are extremely competitive and require the ability to transform learned concepts into practical applications. The AEP is an avenue for students to hone their skills necessary to approach Engineering from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
The AEP is run by George Kontos, one of our Computer Science teachers at Ashbourne. George gained a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Surrey and then a Master’s of Research in Computers from Sussex University. He went on to work in the computing industry for many years prior to becoming a teacher at Ashbourne.
AEP group projects
The students all undertake one large group project, the theme of which is negotiable and discussed with their tutor. The idea is to learn to work as a team, and take individual and collective responsibility for the project, just like in industry.
This year we have many options to choose from for a project. Some of these include bridge building, developing and designing medical emergency equipment, designing protection gear such as helmets and building incubators. However, the best projects arise when students come up with their own suggestions and ideas for what they are passionate about. At Ashbourne we are keen on individuality and aiding students to reach their own full creative potential.
Last year, the AEP focused on a computer simulation of a satellite launch, a project which was suggested by one of the students. We built two different models for this on computer programs that produced launch and orbit graphics. We calculated many different launch trajectories and then tested these calculations on our simulators.
Some other titles developed in our AEP include:
- How the induction coil in electric cars works
- The future of 3D printing
- Alternative sources of energy
- The engineering behind the fastest car in the world
We also encourage innovative thinking that keeps abreast with the latest advances in the field of science and technology.
Why study an Engineering Degree?
UK universities offer a huge variety of Engineering degree courses whose graduates are highly sought after both domestically and overseas.
Engineering degrees allow students exposure to various technical subjects and transferable skills such as problem solving, decision-making, innovation, project management, team working, communication and written and presentation skills.
The starting salaries in engineering are among the best across all industry sectors. The demand for skilled graduates outstrips supply and businesses are struggling to find recruits for vacancies. Many graduate engineers also enter other competitive sectors like finance.
How to apply
Ashbourne’s A level courses, taken in conjunction with the AEP, offer outstanding opportunities for ambitious and hardworking students who will benefit from the individual support and choice we offer to help our students reach the highest grades.
For further information or to apply for a place on Ashbourne’s Engineering Programme please contact the college on 020 7937 3858 or email our Admissions team.
- One of the best A level colleges in London
- Strong exam results – 2021 66% A* A
- 57% of graduates at Russell Group Universities