A Level: Product Design

A Level Product Design enables you to combine an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes with your own creative visions by taking charge of the design process. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills alongside drawing and practical abilities, giving you the power to solve design problems.

Students should be aware of, and able to explain, different approaches to user centered design. That in approaching a design challenge there is not a single process, but that good design always addresses many issues, including -

• Designing to meet needs, wants and values
• Investigations to inform the use of primary and secondary data:
• The development of a design proposal
• The planning and manufacture of a prototype solution
• The evaluation of a prototype solution to inform further development

The full course specification can be found at: AQA A-Level Product Design Spec

Examination Board - AQA (7552)

Year 12 -

What is assessed - Practical application of technical principles and designing and making principles.

How is it assessed - Single design and make project. Context set by AQA.

Year 13 -

What is assessed - Technical principles

How is it assessed Written exam (1): 2.5 hours

PLUS

What is assessed - Designing and making principles

How is it assessed - Written exam (2): 1.5 hours

PLUS

What is assessed - Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

How is it assessed - Substantial design and make project

For more in depth details and information about the course, please visit – STP A-Level Product Design

Students will be expected to have met St Paul’s entry requirements of 2 Grade 5’s and 4 Grade 4’s. A minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths is essential for all courses.

A Level Product Design enables you to combine an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes with your own creative visions by taking charge of the design process. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills alongside drawing and practical abilities, giving you the power to solve design problems.

This qualification can lead to a variety of different career pathways, including product design, engineering and architecture. It could also form part of your route into university, especially if you wish to pursue a subject like Engineering. Some students progress to taking advanced apprenticeships with local companies or gain employment directly in the technology and engineering sector in their local area.