FAQs

What types of career are available in design and engineering?
Engineering and design is practical problem solving. Engineers use the knowledge they have in a specific field to make things work and to solve problems. Engineers exist in all walks of life; transport, medicine, entertainment, space exploration, environmental management – you name it, engineers have worked on it.

Engineers and designers work in all kinds of environments. Some of these jobs are in traditional engineering sectors and involve hands-on work and conform to the image we have of an engineer in overalls and a hard hat. However, engineers today are just as likely to work in offices, laboratories, studios, outdoors, in the air or underground. Engineering and design today is closely linked with technology and many roles now rely heavily on technological devices and the most recent technological advances.

Engineers and designers influence every aspect of modern life and every day you rely on the expertise of one or more of them.

Do I need to pay fees or take and entrance exam to come to Elutec?
No. Elutec is state funded and comprehensive so the education is free and is open to students of all abilities.

How would I get to Elutec?
Elutec is located next to the CEME campus in Rainham. The number 174 bus runs every 7 minutes from Harold Hill via Romford and terminates at the CEME campus. The 287 runs from Barking to the junction of Marsh Way for Elutec and the old A13. Elutec is located just over 2 miles from Rainham Station on the C2C line. A free shuttle bus is provided each morning and after school to and from the station.

How do I apply?

To apply for year 10 you need to go onto the school admissions website in the borough where you live and complete an ‘e-admissions’ application.

After March 1 you apply for year 10 direct to Elutec. You can download an application from the website or email us to send you one. Once complete the application form should be sent straight back to us.

To apply for year 12 you need to download an application form from the website and email or post it to Elutec directly

Will going to Elutec guarantee my son/daughter an apprenticeship?
No direct link exists into apprenticeships from Elutec but students who study at Elutec are more likely to have the skills that employers are looking for because employers are working very closely with Elutec to design the curriculum. Elutec students will also meet many employers regularly because they will be coming in to train the students on technical skills and many employers are based on the same site as the school. This gives Elutec students a real opportunity to impress potential employers.

Why is UCL sponsoring Elutec? Does this mean that my son/daughter will automatically get a place on a degree course there?
UCL is one of the top universities in the world and is very well known for engineering and sciences. UCL has already sponsored two schools, most recently the UCL Academy in Swiss Cottage. UCL wants to help close the gap between the different groups that are all crucial to the engineering industry. The world-class teaching materials and facilities of the university will be opened up to Elutec students, while events both at UCL and Elutec will be designed to allow students to benefit from the connection. Whilst UCL’s involvement does not guarantee a place at the university for your son or daughter, Elutec’s link with them means that the curriculum will be designed to prepare them to apply for undergraduate courses there and in visiting UCL your son or daughter will be able to make a really well informed choice about whether UCL is a university where they aspire to study.

What qualifications will my child do at Elutec?
In years 10 and 11 all students will study GCSEs or equivalent in engineering, product design, maths, English language, English literature, physics, biology, chemistry and ICT. All students will follow a course in modern foreign languages and some will study for a GCSE in German.

In the sixth form, students will chose from A levels or equivalent in engineering, product design, physics, chemistry, biology, maths and ICT. There may be additional A levels offered if there is the demand for them. Students who need to resit GCSE English or maths will be able to do so. For students who need to improve their GCSE performance before moving on to A level, there will be GCSE and equivalent courses available to them in the sixth form.

I do not live in the catchment area. Can I still apply?
Anyone can apply to Elutec from within or outside the catchment. However, if Elutec is oversubscribed then those within the catchment area have priority.

The school day is longer than at most schools, will students still get homework?
Due to the longer day, students will not be set homework except in GCSE German. However, sixth form students will have study time when they will be expected to manage their own time to complete extension tasks set by their teachers. All students will have to spend some time at home on revision before external exams.

This sounds like it would be great for my son/daughter how do I find out more?
Have a look on the website and read the prospectus. Look out for details of our taster days which will be published on the website, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Mrs Umerah, the Principal, is happy to see prospective parents and students for an informal discussion. Contact Elena Rinkunaite via email [email protected] or call on 0208 596 5092 and she will be happy to arrange an appointment.

I would like to speak to someone independent before making a decision about Elutec.
Ask at your son’s/daughter’s current school for details of the local careers advisory service. If you contact them they will book an appointment for you with an advisor.

My son’s/daughter’s school have said that they are very able and should be doing academic subjects. I am not sure that Elutec will be right for them.
Elutec will be delivering engineering and design courses aimed at developing every student’s full potential. The engineering course is challenging and accepted by all good universities. For able students in the sixth form they will supplement their engineering diploma with additional A levels to get the best of both worlds.

My son/daughter does not want to wear a uniform will this be compulsory?
The uniform is compulsory for all students at Elutec. The uniform is designed to look more like a business suit than a uniform, and the design will be different in the sixth form so that students can be distinguished from those in the lower school.

My son/daughter has a special need, can they still apply?
Elutec is open to all students. The curriculum will be organised in such a way that special needs students will receive support in all of their lessons from staff who understand their needs really well. As soon as places have been allocated, a transition plan will be developed between their existing school, yourselves and Elutec to ensure the smooth transfer and that everything is in place to support their learning and ensure that they achieve their full potential.

My son daughter really enjoys ICT. What sort of IT facilities will be available for them?
All students at Elutec will be issued with their own laptop. The laptop will be used in most of their lessons and from it they will be able to access most programmes and software. Some of the more complex design software will need higher specification machines and these will be housed in a dedicated computer aided design room where your child will have timetabled lessons every week.

My son/daughter is very disorganised and I am worried that they will lose their laptop.
All students will be issued with lockers where they will be able to leave their laptops securely if they do not wish to take them home.

What happens if my son’s/daughter’s laptop breaks down?
If the laptop breaks down then it will be repaired or fixed free of charge. However, if the damage is deemed to have been caused by the student themselves then they will be expected to replace it.

My son/daughter loves games. Will they still be able to play against other schools?
Elutec is expecting to play matches against other schools across the region.

I am really keen for my son/daughter to join year 10 in 2015 but am finding it difficult to complete the application form online.
If you have any difficulties or questions about applying to Elutec, please call or email the office – details below:

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Telephone: 0208 596 5092