A Level: Product Design

A Level Design Technology - Product Design Exam Board: AQA

Why study this subject?

A Level Design Technology - Product Design is a challenging and very rewarding qualification that has designing and making at the heart of the course.

If you are interested in a career in Technology, Engineering , Industrial Design or Marketing this is the course for you. It is an enjoyable and relevant course for the developing technical world we live in. If you enjoy understanding how things work, like doing creative activities, making real products and enjoy the challenges of technical academic work this course will develop your skills in all these areas.

What will I study?

Students will study historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic impacts of Design.

· Growing your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials, manufacturing processes and assembly methods.

· Learning to design working products which meet the needs of the intended user.

· Practical and Computer Aided Design projects.

· Technical drawing and sketching tuition.

· Students will develop skills useful for employment and higher education.

Where can this lead?

Higher level apprenticeships.

A wide range of degree courses including:

Industrial Design

Graphic Design

Sports Engineering

Fashion Design

Architecture

Engineering (mechanical, automotive, aeronautical etc.)

How will I be assessed?

You will complete a large design and make task which involved you developing and manufacturing the solution to a problem you have identified. This piece of work will be mostly undertaken in Year 13 and will apply all the theoretical and practical knowledge you have learned in Year 12. You will also sit two external exams which test you on your knowledge of materials, manufacturing, design history and the effects design decisions on others.

EXAM 1: Technical Principles 30%

EXAM 2: Designing and Making Principles 20%

COURSEWORK: Substantial design and make task (45hours) 50%

This course is for those who are interested in a career in technology, engineering , Industrial Design or marketing. It is an enjoyable and relevant course for the developing technical world we live in. Students studying this course often go on to a wide range of degree courses including: Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion, Automotive Design, Architecture, and Engineering (mechanical, automotive, aeronautical). An increasing number of students are pursuing Higher Level Apprenticeships.

The course will include: Technical drawing and sketching tuition, learning to design products that function well, a range of practical manufacturing tasks, developing Knowledge and understanding of materials and manufacturing processes that designers use and improving the ability to understand the impact designers can have on the world around them.

To join the Sixth Form there is an entry criteria of five standard passes at GCSE (at least a Grade 4). This must include at least a Grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE. Students will need to gain at least a Grade 4 in the subjects they would like to study at A Level.

Further study at university or college on a variety of Industrial Design or Technology based courses. A good combination with Maths/Physics for entry onto a wide range of Engineering courses in higher education.