2015 Notes from the Marking Centre – VET Metal and Engineering
Introduction
This document has been produced for the teachers and candidates of the Stage 6 Metal and Engineering course. It contains comments on candidate responses to the 2015 Higher School Certificate examination, highlighting their strengths in particular parts of the examination and indicating where candidates need to improve.
This document should be read along with:
- the Metal and Engineering Curriculum Framework Stage 6 Syllabus
- the 2015 Higher School Certificate Metal and Engineering examination
- the marking guidelines
- advice for candidates attempting VET examinations
- Advice for HSC students about examinations
- other support documents developed by the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW to assist in the teaching and learning of Metal and Engineering in Stage 6.
Section II
Candidates showed strength in these areas:
- extracting information from the drawing (Q16)
- recognising drawing symbols within a sectional drawing (Q16)
- identifying several dimensions and calculating length (Q16)
- providing correct and appropriate marking-out procedures (Q17)
- identifying the correct tools and equipment needed in the manufacturing process (Q17)
- identifying the torque wrench and its common application (Q18)
- outlining the application of an adjustable spanner/wrench (Q18)
- understanding that an incorrect tool would damage the nut/bolt (Q18)
- correctly identifying the considerations when selecting and using a spanner or wrench (Q18)
- outlining the uses for the square and protractor stocks (Q19)
- recognising that decreased production is a consequence of not calibrating measuring devices (Q19)
- recognising that not checking and calibrating graduated measuring devices leads to inaccuracy in measurement and marking (Q19).
Candidates need to improve in these areas:
- understanding the calculations required to determine the item length (Q16)
- understanding the instructions that ‘section view’ symbols give to the reader (Q16)
- explaining the procedure to manufacture a component (Q17)
- understanding the key differences between ‘one-off’ manufacturing processes and large-scale/mass-production processes (Q17)
- understanding the correct industry-specific names of hand tools (Q18)
- outlining the specific use of a Stillson Wrench (Q18)
- explaining the reason for the movement of the tape measure hook (Q19)
- identifying the name and application of the centre stock (Q19)
- understanding the concept of calibrating a measuring device (Q19)
- distinguishing between checking and calibrating graduated measuring devices (Q19).
Section III
Candidates showed strength in these areas:
- outlining and identifying a type of power tool
- explaining a range of factors relating to the importance of maintenance
- understanding the importance of selecting the right tool for the right job
- recognising the importance of undergoing training before using a power tool
- understanding the importance of wearing the correct PPE
- linking correct PPE with relevant industry examples
- outlining the procedure for checking a power tool’s tag before use.
Candidates need to improve in these areas:
- planning and structuring the extended response
- supporting relevant workplace examples with precise industry terminology
- identifying the availability of a power tool as an important consideration in its selection
- describing how using a power tool correctly affects the quality of the finished product.
Section IV
Candidates showed strength in these areas:
- demonstrating a clear understanding of the benefits of providing safe working environments and following safe work practices to reduce minor injuries and improve the quality of work
- providing a variety of different safe work practices within the workplace.
Candidates need to improve in these areas:
- providing a response that addresses the question and stimulus material collectively
- providing a detailed answer and explaining the key components of the question in a well-reasoned cohesive response
- demonstrating a clear understanding that ‘services to clients’ includes supplying a quality product which meets the specifications, as opposed to ‘customer service’ as experienced in the retail industry.
NSW Government