Courses

D&T: Product Design

SUBJECT INFORMATION

The distinguishing feature of any design and technology course is its practical nature. knowledge and understanding is not, therefore, to be acquired purely for its own sake, but in order to apply it to the solution of practical problems which arise in everyday life and in industrial and commercial contexts.

Underpinning all learning are the designing and making skills which make use of knowledge and understanding in order to produce outcomes which satisfy a design brief. Students will learn to utilise CAD/CAM in the design and manufacture of products, they will develop graphical communication and ICT skills to present and convey their designs. The AS coursework project will be to a given context, while the A2 coursework project will be an open ended student centred project.

Students wishing to study Product Design but who did not study GCSE Design & Technology, will be considered for the course based upon their suitability and capability to cope with the demands of a rigorous coursework centred qualification.

YEAR 12 - AS
 YEAR 13 - A2
Units
01. Materials, Components &
Applications
Written Paper (2 hrs) 25% of
overall 'A' level
02. Learning Through Designing
and Making
Coursework: 25% of overall 'A' level
'Students will investigate a design
influence and embark upon a range
of design and make projects based
around this influence'

Units
03. Design & Manufacture
Written Paper (2 hrs) 25% of
overall 'A' level
04. Design and Making Practice
Coursework: 25% of overall 'A' level
'Students will be encouraged to
identify a real life design
opportunity with a real client to
design for. The project will be a
single, substantial design and
make project'

Assessment
A written examination is taken in each module, either in January or in June.
Practical work will be assessed by an examination at the end of AS and another at the end of A2.


"The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take
a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capacity to
design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations
between design, materials, manufacture and marketing."
AQA D&T: Product Design

OPPORTUNITIES

A level Product Design offers a great many opportunities for students wishing to embark upon Higher Education design courses, such as Design for Industry, Automotive Design, 3D Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design as well as Engineering and Architecture

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please see:
Mr Stobbs
Miss Youngs